Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of San Francisco National Cemetery
When Spain colonized what would become California, this area was selected as the site for a fort, or presidio, to defend San Francisco Bay. About 40 families traveled here from northern Mexico in 1776 and built the first settlement, a small quadrangle, only a few hundred feet west of what is now Funston Avenue. Mexico controlled the Presidio following 1821, but the fort became increasingly less important to the Mexican government. In 1835, most soldiers and their families moved north to Sonoma, leaving it nearly abandoned. During the Mexican War, U.S. troops occupied and repaired the damage to the fort.
The mid-century discovery of gold in California led to the sudden growth and importance of San Francisco, and prompted the U.S. government to establish a military reservation here. By executive order, President Millard Fillmore established the Presidio for military use in November 1850. During the 1850s and 1860s, Presidio-based soldiers fought Native Americans in California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada. The outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 re-emphasized the importance of California's riches and the military significance of San Francisco's harbor to the Union. This led, in 1862, to the first major construction and expansion program at the Presidio since the United States acquired it.
The Indian Wars of the 1870s and 1880s resulted in additional expansion of the Presidio, including large-scale tree planting and a post beautification program. By the following decade the Presidio had shed its frontier outpost appearance and was elevated to a major military installation and base for American expansion into the Pacific.
In 1890, with the creation of Sequoia, General Grant and Yosemite national parks in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, the protection of these scenic and natural resources was assigned to the U.S. cavalry stationed at the Presidio. Soldiers patrolled these parks during summer months until the start of World War I in 1914. The Spanish American War in 1898 and subsequent Philippine-American War, from 1899 to 1902, increased the role of the Presidio. Thousands of troops camped in tent cities while awaiting shipment to the Philippines. Returning sick and wounded soldiers were treated in the Army's first permanent hospital, later renamed Letterman Army General Hospital. In 1914, troops under the command of Gen. John Pershing departed the Presidio for the Mexican border in pursuit of Pancho Villa and his men. When World War I began, Pershing became commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe.
When the United States entered World War II after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Presidio soldiers dug foxholes along the nearby beaches. Fourth Army Commander Gen. John L. DeWitt conducted the internment of thousands of Japanese and Japanese-Americans on the West Coast while U.S. soldiers of Japanese descent were trained to read and speak Japanese at the first Military Intelligence Service language school organized at Crissy Field. During the 1950s, the Presidio served as the headquarters for the Nike missile defense program and headquarters for the famed Sixth U.S. Army. The Presidio of San Francisco, encompassing more than 350 buildings with historic value, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962. In 1989, the Presidio closed as a military entity and was transferred to the National Park Service in October 1994.
On Dec. 12, 1884, the War Department designated nine acres, including the site of the old post cemetery, as San Francisco National Cemetery. It was the first national cemetery established on the West Coast and, as such, marks the growth and development of a system of national cemeteries extending beyond the battlefields of the Civil War. Initial interments included the remains of the dead from the former post cemetery as well as individuals removed from cemeteries at abandoned forts and camps elsewhere along the Pacific coast and western frontier. In 1934, all unknown remains in the cemetery were disinterred and reinterred in one plot. Many soldiers and sailors who died overseas serving in the Philippines, China and other areas of the Pacific Theater are interred in San Francisco National Cemetery.
The cemetery is enclosed with a stone wall and slopes down a hill that today frames a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Its original ornamental cast-iron entrance gates are present but have been unused since the entrance was relocated. Tall eucalyptus trees further enclose the cemetery. The lodge and rostrum date to the 1920s and reflect the Spanish Revival styling introduced to several western cemeteries.
Two unusual interments at San Francisco National Cemetery are "Major" Pauline Cushman and Miss Sarah A. Bowman. Cushman's headstone bears the inscription "Pauline C. Fryer, Union Spy," but her real name was Harriet Wood. Born in the 1830s, she became a performer in Thomas Placide's show Varieties and took the name Pauline Cushman. She married theater musician Charles Dickinson in 1853, but after her husband died of illness related to his service for Union forces, she returned to the stage. During spring 1863, while performing in Louisville, Ky., she was asked by the provost marshal to gather information regarding local Confederate activity. From there she was sent to Nashville, where she had some success conveying information about troop strength and movements. In Nashville, she was also captured and nearly hanged as a spy. She returned to the stage in 1864, to lecture and sell her autobiography. Entertainer P.T. Barnum promoted her as the "Spy of the Cumberland" and through Barnum's practiced boostership she quickly gained fleeting fame. After spending the 1870s working the redwood logging camps, she remarried and moved to the Arizona Territory. By 1893 she was divorced, destitute and desperate; she applied for her first husband's military pension and returned to San Francisco, where she died from an overdose of narcotics allegedly taken to soothe her rheumatism. Members of the Grand Army of the Republic and Women's Relief Corps conducted a magnificent funeral for the former spy. "Major" Cushman's remains reside in Officer's Circle.
Also buried at San Francisco National Cemetery is Sarah Bowman, also known as "Great Western," a formidable woman over 6 feet tall with red hair and a fondness for wearing pistols. Married to a soldier, she traveled with Zachary Taylor's troops in the Mexican War helping to care for the wounded, for which she earned a government pension. After her husband's death she had a variety of male companions and ran an infamous tavern and brothel in El Paso, Texas. Bowman left El Paso when she married her last husband. The two ended up at Fort Yuma, where she operated a boarding house until her death from a spider bite in 1866. She was given a full military funeral and was buried in the Fort Yuma Cemetery. Several years later her body was exhumed and reburied at San Francisco National Cemetery.
San Francisco National Cemetery was listed as a National Historic Landmark as part of the Presidio in 1962.
Monuments and Memorials The Pacific Coast Garrison Monument was dedicated as part of a Memorial Day program 1897 that drew an estimated 10,000 participants and observers. It honors the Regular Army & Navy Union, a veterans organization founded in 1886 to support national defense. At more than 17 feet tall, the Union color bearer standing on a base is among the few NCA monuments made of cast zinc ("white-bronze"). These are assembled from cast panels joined with solder, screws, and an internal fastening system. Typically unpainted like this one, the zinc oxidizes to a blue-gray color that resembles stone. Such statues were sold through catalogs with different design elements; fifteen figures similar to this one are found in the United States.
Grand Army of the Republic Memorial (1893)
Monument to Marines who died at the Tartar Wall in Pakia, China (1900)
Unknown Dead Monument (1934)
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at San Francisco National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Medal of Honor The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.
Recipients receive the Medal of Honor from the President on behalf of Congress. It was first awarded during the Civil War and the eligibility criteria, medal design, and recognition on a recipients' grave marker have all evolved over time. There are 434 Medal of Honor recipients interred at VA national cemeteries including 6 double recipients.
» Medal of Honor recipients interred or memorialized here:
Second Lieutenant William Allen (Indian Wars).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company I, 23rd U.S. Infantry, for actions at Turret Mountain, Arizona Territory, March 27, 1873. Allen died in 1892 and is buried in Section OS, Row 48, Site 2.
Signal Quartermaster Matthew Arthur (Civil War).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy for actions on board the USS Carondelet at the reduction of Forts Henry and Donelson, February 6 and 14, 1862. His citation was awarded under the name of Arther. Arthur died in 1899 and is buried in Section OS, Row 16, Site 1.
Commander William Badders.
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy for actions during the rescue and salvage operations after the sinking of the USS Squalus, May 13, 1939. Badders died in 1986 and is buried in Section A, Site 788-A.
Lieutenant Colonel James Coey (Civil War).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, 147th New York Infantry, for actions at Hatcher's Run, VA, February 6, 1865. Coey died in 1918 and is buried in Section OS, Row 89, Site 1.
Sergeant James Congdon Madison (Civil War).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company E, 8th New York Cavalry, for actions at Waynesboro, VA, March 2, 1865. While his real name was James Madison, he served under the alias James Congdon during the war and the citation was awarded in that name. He maintained Congdon as part of his name for the remainder of his life. He died in 1926 and is buried in Section OSA, Row 15, Site 7.
Colonel Matthias W.
Day (Indian Wars). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, 9th U.S. Cavalry, for actions at Las Animas Canyon, New Mexico Territory, September 18, 1879. Day died in 1927 and is buried in Section OS, Row 11, Site 2.
Major General William F.
Dean (Korea). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, 24th Infantry Division, for actions in Taejon, Korea, July 20–21, 1950. Dean died in 1981 and is buried in Section GHT, Site 353-B.
Captain Reginald B.
Desiderio (Korea). He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Army, Company E, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in recognition of leadership and complete disregard for personal safety in the defense of a post near Ipsok, Korea, November 27, 1950. Desiderio was killed that day and is buried in Section OS, Row 128, Site 20.
Lieutenant Commander Abraham DeSomer (Mexican Campaign).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy on board the USS Utah for actions during the seizure of Vera Cruz, Mexico, April 21–22, 1914. DeSomer died in 1974 and is memorialized in Section MA, Site 15.
Colonel Kern W.
Dunagan (Vietnam). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 46 Infantry, for his actions in Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, May 13, 1969. Dunagan died in 1991 and is buried in Section WS, Site 117-I.
Eligibility for burial at San Francisco National Cemetery
Planning ahead for a Veteran's or loved-one's final resting place can eliminate unnecessary delays and reduce stress on a family at a difficult time.
Request eligibility status for:
Veteran or servicemember Spouse Dependent family member Apply online »
Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Directions
Cemetery is located in the Northern section of San Francisco. From San Francisco International Airport, take Hwy 101 North to San Bruno/Hwy 380 exit to Hwy 280 North.
Follow 19th Avenue/Park Presidio Blvd north, turn right onto California St. Turn left onto Arguello Blvd which leads onto the Presidio. Turn left onto Sheridan Ave, then enter the cemetery main gate on left at the intersection of Sheridan Ave and Lincoln Blvd.
Floral and grounds policy
You can place fresh cut flowers on your loved one's grave throughout the year.
Floral items will be removed from graves the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month of when they become faded or unsightly. Items left on gravesites may be removed at any time to facilitate cemetery burial or grounds maintenance operations. Temporary flower containers are available to be used. Containers are located through the cemetery in specially marked containers.
Weapons policy
VA regulations 38 CFR 1.218 prohibit the carrying of firearms (either openly or concealed), explosives or other dangerous or deadly weapons while on VA property, except for official purposes, such as military funeral honors.
Possession of firearms on any property under the charge and control of VA is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to a fine, removal from the premises, or arrest.
Education and visiting programs
More than half of VA's national cemeteries originated with the Civil War and many are closed to some burials. Other sites were established to serve World War veterans and they continue to expand. Historic themes related with NCA's cemeteries and soldiers' lots vary, but visitors should understand "Why is it here?" NCA began by installing interpretive signs, or waysides, at more than 100 properties to observe the Civil War Sesquicentennial (2011–2015). Please follow the links below to see the interpretive signs for San Francisco National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System San Francisco National Cemetery Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to San Francisco National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Golden Gate National Cemetery — San Bruno, CA (12 mi · closed)
- Mare Island Naval Cemetery — Vallejo, CA (22 mi · closed)
- Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery — Benicia, CA (24 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of San Francisco National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Earth Funeral is a premier funeral home located at 576 Sacramento Street # 3Fl in San Francisco, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including state-of-the-art facilities, custom, private vessels, and conservation lands. Professional offerings include soil transformation, human composting, and natural organic reduction, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $4,950. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $4,950. The standard basic services fee for the funeral director and staff is $995. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 5.0-star Google rating across 170 reviews.
Driscoll's Valencia Street Serra Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 1465 Valencia St. in San Francisco, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, reception room, and parking. Professional offerings include funeral service, cremation service, and funeral packages, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,590. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $1,590, while direct cremation is available from $1,590. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholicism and All religious denominations.
Duggan's Serra Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 500 Westlake Avenue in Daly City, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including six large, private chapels with comfortable family rooms, unlimited parking, and three indoor reception rooms. Professional offerings include personalized services, funeral services, and celebrations of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,150. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,990, while direct cremation is available from $2,150. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All Denominations And Faiths.
Fouche's Hudson Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 3665 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including front lobby, fountain and garden, and visitation rooms. Professional offerings include cremation, traditional funeral service, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,960. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,620, while direct cremation is available from $1,960. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically African Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, Catholic, Christian (Non-denominational), Episcopal, Jewish, Methodist, Muslim, Pentecostal, and Presbyterian. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.2-star Google rating across 32 reviews.
Grant Miller-John Cox Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 2850 Telegraph Ave. in Oakland, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel and facility. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and memorialization options, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,280. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,280.
Sunset View Cemetery & Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 101 Colusa Ave. in El Cerrito, CA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,380. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.5-star Google rating across 66 reviews.
Chapel Of The Chimes - Oakland is a premier funeral home located at 4499 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, chapel of memories columbarium, and gardens. Professional offerings include full-service funerals, cremation, and cemetery services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,300. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,070, while direct cremation is available from $2,300. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.7-star Google rating across 276 reviews.
Sunset View Cemetery Association is a premier funeral home located at 101 Colusa Avenue in El Cerrito, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including cemetery, reception hall, and newly renovated facility. Professional offerings include funerals, burial options, and cremation options, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,820. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,900, while direct cremation is available from $2,820. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All Faith Traditions and Catholic.