Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Santa Fe National Cemetery
Santa Fe National Cemetery is located within the city limits of Santa Fe, NM, approximately one mile northwest of the main plaza.
Thirteen years before the Pilgrims settled in Plymouth Colony, the Spanish had established a small settlement in Santa Fe, NM. Santa Fe would soon become the seat of power for the Spanish Empire north of the Rio Grande and the oldest capital city in North America. Santa Fe is the site of both the oldest public building in America, the Palace of the Governors, and the nation's oldest community celebration, the Santa Fe Fiesta, established in 1712 to commemorate the Spanish reconquest of New Mexico in summer 1692. Conquistador Don Pedro de Peralta and his men laid out the plan for Santa Fe at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the site of the ancient Pueblo ruin of Kaupoge, or "place of shell beads near the water."
When Mexico gained its independence from Spain, Santa Fe became the capital of the province of New Mexico. With the Spanish defeat came an end to the policy of a closed empire; American trappers and traders journeyed into the region along the 1,000 mile Santa Fe trail beginning in Arrow Rock, MO. For a brief period in 1837, northern New Mexico farmers rebelled against Mexican rule, killing the provincial governor in what has been called the Chimayó Rebellion, and occupying the capital. The insurrectionists were soon defeated and peace returned to Santa Fe for almost a decade.
In 1846, at the outset of the Mexican-American War, President James K. Polk asked General Stephen Watts Kearny to muster an army and march 1,000 miles into the Southwest to claim that region for the United States and organize territorial governments along the way. Kearny, faced with a Mexican administration weakened by years of occupation and political turmoil, was able to take Santa Fe without firing a shot. In quick succession, he won over the local leadership, assured a peaceful transition to a new civilian government and implemented a new legal code for the territory before continuing on to Arizona and California.
While there was little armed conflict in the territory of New Mexico during the Civil War, there were some engagements in the area of Santa Fe. Confederate General Henry H. Sibley raised and equipped a column to secure the secessionist claims in the New Mexico and Arizona region. Undermanned, often commanded by secessionist sympathizers and largely abandoned, the U.S. installations in the region were initially unable to defend themselves. News of the Confederate advance into New Mexico quickly raised volunteers from the Colorado Territory who took up the march. In addition, a large "California column" was raised to help defend the city of Santa Fe.
Toward the end of March 1862, Union Major John M. Chivington encountered a Confederate force southeast of the city, where the Santa Fe Trail crossed the mountains. Several days of skirmishes culminated in a battle at Glorieta Pass. Although the Confederates held their own, several hundred Union soldiers moved to the far end of the canyon and attacked the unprotected supply train. After bayoneting the pack animals and burning the wagons, the Union forces left Sibley's men little choice but to make the long trek back to Texas. The campaign not only ended Southern ambitions in the Southwest but it also forced the Confederate abandonment of Fort Bliss outside El Paso, TX.
At the close of the Civil War, the federal government established a cemetery for the reinterment of Union soldiers who died during the brief military activity in the area. The ground initially chosen was located just west of Santa Fe and is currently part of Santa Fe National Cemetery. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Santa Fe, who owned the property, donated the land to the United States in 1870. Santa Fe's initial designation as a national cemetery was short lived. In July 1876, the War Department decided that, to save expenses, its status should be downgraded to that of a post cemetery. The superintendent was transferred to Mound City National Cemetery, Illinois, and the quartermaster was transferred to Fort Macy, a local post in Santa Fe. Nine years later, however, it was re-established as a national cemetery.
Monuments and Memorials A granite and bronze memorial to World War II Glider Pilots was dedicated on Veterans Day, November 11, 1994.
A granite memorial to Women Who Served in the Navy was erected in November 1995. The Roadrunner Unit No. 4, New Mexico Chapter, sponsored the memorial.
The China-Burma-India Veterans Memorial is a granite block memorial erected in 2002. It is dedicated to the memory of the men and women who fought in World War II.
Ft. Craig Post Cemetery Memorial is dedicated to the men, women and children who perished at Fort Craig, New Mexico, in the late 1800s. Soldiers stationed there conducted military campaigns against the Apaches and Navajos and, during the Civil War, engaged the Texas Army in the Battle of Valverde in February 1862. Dedicated July 2009.
A granite and bronze memorial to Glorieta Pass Confederate Dead was erected April 1993.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Santa Fe 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:
Chief Water Tender Edward A.
Clary. He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy for actions after a boiler accident on board the USS Hopkins, February 14, 1910. Clary died in 1939 and is buried in Section O, Site 335.
Private Edwin L.
Elwood (Indian Wars). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company G, 8th U.S. Cavalry, for actions in the Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona Territory, October 20, 1869. Elwood died in 1907 and is buried in Section H, Site 705.
Specialist 4 Daniel D.
Fernandez (Vietnam). Daniel D. Fernandez, native of New Mexico, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1965 and served with Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Mechanized Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. On February 18, 1966, while attempting to evacuate a wounded soldier, Fernandez and his comrades were ambushed. When a grenade landed in the middle of the group, to protect fellow soldiers, Fernandez sacrificed himself by covering the grenade blast with his body. He received the Medal of Honor posthumously on April 26, 1967. He is buried in Section S, Site 246.
Corporal Jacob Guenther (Indian Wars).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company E, 8th U.S. Cavalry, for actions in the Arizona Territory in 1868–1869. His citation was awarded under the name of Gunther. He died in 1871 and is buried in Section A-3, Site 1055.
Corporal Thomas Murphy (Indian Wars).
Thomas Murphy was born in Kerry, Ireland, and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1868. While serving in Company F, 8th U.S. Cavalry, Corporal Murphy received the Medal of Honor for actions on August 25, 1869, in Seneca Mountain, Arizona Territory. Murphy died June 27, 1881, and was buried in the cemetery at Fort Grant, Arizona. When the post closed, his remains were reinterred in Section A-1, Site 740.
Captain Raymond G.
"Jerry" Murphy (Korea). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, for actions in Korea, February 3, 1953. Murphy died in 2007 and is buried in Section S, Site 282.
Sergeant Y.B.
Rowdy (Indian Wars). Y.B. Rowdy, a Yavapai Indian and native of Arizona, served in the U.S. Army. While in Company A of the Indian Scouts, Sergeant Rowdy demonstrated bravery against hostile Apache Indians at the Salt River, near Cherry Creek, Arizona Territory, on March 7, 1890. He received the Medal of Honor for these actions, but died on March 29, 1893. Originally interred at Fort Grant, Arizona, in 1907 his remains were reinterred in Section A, Site 894.
Colonel Robert S.
Scott (World War II). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, 172nd Infantry, 43rd Infantry Division, for actions near Munda Air Strip, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, July 29, 1943. Scott died in 1999 and is buried in Section 9, Site 460.
Private First Class Jose F.
Valdez (World War II). Jose F. Valdez, native of New Mexico, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and served with Company B, 7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division. On January 25, 1945, near Rosenkrantz, France, Private First Class Valdez volunteered to cover his company's withdrawal from enemy territory. Then, a wounded Valdez called for artillery and mortar fire near his position. After dragging himself back to American lines, he died from wounds. Valdez posthumously received the Medal of Honor on February 8, 1946. He is buried in Section Q, Site 29.
Other Burials Initial interments at the cemetery site were the remains of 265 U.S.
soldiers from the battlefields of Glorieta, Koslouskys and Fort Marcy.
Eligibility for burial at Santa Fe 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
The cemetery is located on the north side of Santa Fe. Travel north from Albuquerque on Interstate 25. Take exit 276 (Santa Fe Bypass) and take a left at the light. Travel approximately 15 miles following signs for downtown Santa Fe. Move into left-hand lane following sign for (downtown/Museums) and you will see the cemetery on your left. Immediately after crossing the overpass take the first left into the cemetery.
Traveling from south from Las Vegas on Interstate 25, take exit 282, St. Francis Drive/Plaza. Stay on St. Francis Drive and travel about eight miles. Turn right onto Alamo Drive and, at the next stop sign, go straight across Guadalupe Street directly into cemetery.
Floral and grounds policy
Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time. Metal and plastic temporary flower containers are permitted. Glass vases are not permitted.
Permanent vases are no longer permitted and will not be replaced or repaired.
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 Santa Fe National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Angel Fire State Veterans Cemetery — Angel Fire, NM (62 mi · open)
- Gallup State Veterans Cemetery — Gallup, NM (152 mi · open)
- Fort Stanton State Veterans Cemetery — Fort Stanton, NM (158 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Santa Fe National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Berardinelli Family Funeral Service is a premier funeral home located at 1399 Luisa Street in Santa Fe, NM. The property features well-appointed spaces including max randolph chapel (equipped with audio-visual equipment and two large monitors), berardinelli mcgee life event center (seats up to 200, with private caterer entrance), and half-sized room for smaller gatherings (seats 10-40). Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and memorialization options, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,295.
DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 623 North Railroad Ave. in Espanola, NM. The property features well-appointed spaces including 3 chapels, fleet of vehicles, and ample parking. Professional offerings include services & pricing, immediate need, and services overview, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,995. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,295, while direct cremation is available from $1,230. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic.
DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos is a premier funeral home located at 1524 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur in Taos, NM. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home, cemetery, and columbarium. Professional offerings include traditional funeral services, cremation services, and memorial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,945. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,495, while direct cremation is available from $2,095. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic.
French Funerals & Cremations - Wyoming Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE in Albuquerque, NM. The property features well-appointed spaces including crematory and reception facilities. Professional offerings include traditional funeral services, cremation, and memorial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,410. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,410, while direct cremation is available from $3,410. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Jewish, and Various Christian denominations.
Daniels Family Funerals & Cremation - Wyoming is a premier funeral home located at 7601 Wyoming Boulevard Northeast in Albuquerque, NM. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel. Professional offerings include immediate need, traditional services, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,550. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,685, while direct cremation is available from $3,550. The standard basic services fee for the funeral director and staff is $2,995. Additional typical expenses include embalming ($895) and use of facilities for viewing ($495). The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Baptist, Christian Fellowship, Gospel, and Buddhist.
Daniels Family Funerals and Cremation - Sara Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 4310 Sara Rd. SE in Rio Rancho, NM. The property features well-appointed spaces including 13,000 square foot facility, modern hill country design, and natural light. Professional offerings include traditional burial, cremation, and personalized memorials, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,985. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All Faiths.
French Funerals & Cremations is a premier funeral home located at 1111 University Boulevard Northeast in Albuquerque, NM. 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 $2,775.
Reflections Funerals and Life Celebrations is a premier funeral home located at 2400 Washington St. NE in Albuquerque, NM. The property features well-appointed spaces including salazar mortuary, reflections chapel, and on-site crematory. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and personalization, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,500. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,500, while direct cremation is available from $3,500.