Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Springfield National Cemetery
Springfield National Cemetery is located on what was once the Kickapoo Prairie in Green County, MO.
Settlers began arriving in southwest Missouri in 1822, making their way north up the James River and its tributaries. But it was only after removal of the Kickapoo and Delaware Indians in 1830 that permanent settlement became possible. John Polk Campbell is credited as the founder of Springfield. He arrived with his brother Madison in 1829, and upon finding a viable water supply carved his initials on an ash tree to establish his claim. Other settlers arrived almost daily and it was not long before a settlement developed, complete with stores, mills, a school and post office. By 1838 the town had been officially incorporated.
In 1861, Springfield was the site of the Missouri State Convention to determine its future as part of the Union. The governor favored secession. Delegates urged approval of the Crittendon Resolutions (then before Congress), which would have legalized slavery where it already existed, and would let new states decide their own rights and would reimburse slave owners for losses caused by abolitionist raids. Delegates ultimately decided against secession and opposed any military action by either side; but if the federal government declared war on the South, they would join the Confederate ranks.
The Battle of Wilson Creek, the first major Civil War engagement west of the Mississippi River, was fought in Springfield on August 10, 1861, and involved about 5,400 Union troops and 12,000 Confederates. Although the battle was a Confederate victory, the South failed to capitalize on its success; it led to greater federal military activity in Missouri and set the stage for the Battle of Pea Ridge in March 1862.
Many men who died at the Battle of Wilson Creek would eventually be buried at Springfield National Cemetery, established in 1867 when the city purchased five acres for a burial plot. In 1911, the Confederate Cemetery Association (CCA) donated six acres, two of which were enclosed by a stone wall. Along with the land came the provision that burials would be restricted to men who died serving the Confederacy. Through a series of amendments to this provision in 1948, 1957 and 1984, all eligible veterans are now permitted in this portion of the cemetery. A 1871 cemetery inspection report recorded 832 known and 689 unknown interments in the cemetery. It continued, "A very worthless superintendent was in charge last year, and the cemetery was sadly neglected. This year it has been put in good order."
Springfield National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
Monuments and Memorials The U.S. government erected a marble pillar in 1888 in memory of Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, a Union officer during the Civil War.
On August 10, 1901, a monument in the form of a bronze figure was dedicated in honor of Missouri soldiers and Gen. Sterling Price, a Confederate officer during the Civil War. The sculptor was Chevalier Trentanove of Italy. The United Confederate Veterans of Missouri sponsored the monument.
The Union Memorial, also known as the T.J. Bailey monument, was erected in 1907. A lone infantry soldier stands atop its pedestal.
A small granite marker was dedicated September 27, 1958, in honor of the unknown Confederate dead who fell in the Battle of Wilson's Creek.
A small granite slab marks the location of a time capsule that was buried by the Lakes Counties 4H clubs during the Bicentennial in 1976. The time capsule will be opened on America's tri-centennial.
The Battle of Wilson Creek Memorial is a bronze tablet mounted on the rostrum. The memorial commemorates 501 Confederate soldiers who died of wounds or sickness at the Battles of Wilson Creek and Springfield.
A granite and bronze monument erected in honor of Pearl Harbor survivors was dedicated on August 8, 1992.
The Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution memorial is a granite monument dedicated in memory of patriots of the Continental Army or militia that gave their lives during the Revolutionary War. The memorial was installed in 1999.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Springfield 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:
Sergeant Harrison Collins (Civil War).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Tennessee Cavalry, for actions at Richland Creek, TN, December 24, 1864. Collins died in 1890 and is buried in Section 26, Site 1357B.
Captain Patrick Pentzer (Civil War).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company C, 97th Illinois Infantry, for actions at Blakely, AL, April 9, 1865. Pentzer died in 1901 and is buried in Section 24, Site 1696.
Corporal Orion P.
Howe (Civil War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company C, 55th Illinois Infantry, for actions at Vicksburg, MS, May 19, 1863. Howe died in 1930 and is buried in Section 4, Site 207A.
Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Jack Williams (World War II).
He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Naval Reserves with the 3d Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in recognition of self-sacrificing administration of first aid to others during the occupation of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, March 3, 1945. Williams is buried in Section 30, Site 2375.
Chief Pharmacist Fred H.
McGuire (Philippines, 1911). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy, for actions while attached to the USS Pampanga on the island of Basilan, Philippine Islands, September 24, 1911. McGuire died in 1958 and is buried in Section 29, Site 332.
Other Burials The following Buffalo Soldiers are buried at the cemetery: James McBroom Arthur Wilburn (Section 29, Site 21) Johnnie L.
Burston (Section 29, Site 30) Ed G. Rickman (Section 29, Site 495) Pryor Sharp (Section 29, Site 466)
Section 29, Site 26
Other notable burials in the cemetery include: William Freeman (Revolutionary War; Section 23, Site 1312A) Major General Ralph E.
Truman (Spanish American War, World Wars I & II; Section 30, Site 2073)
Born in New York on August 28, 1842, Malinda Pratt married Lucien Gibbs and had two children before he enlisted in the Army in July 1863.
Gibbs served in the 147 New York Infantry, and died of disease in November. After his death, she filed for pension relief (1864) and served as a nurse at Emory Hospital in Washington, D.C. In November 1883, she married veteran soldier Wanton Moon, and they lived in Iowa before settling in Springfield, MO. Wanton Moon died in 1916; Malinda remained in Springfield until her death December 7, 1926. The McCroskey Woman's Relief Corps No. 22, auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic, arranged her funeral. Moon is buried at Springfield National Cemetery .
Section 1, Site 1a
Eligibility for burial at Springfield 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 south side of Springfield, one block north of Battlefield Mall. From the Municipal Airport, travel Kearney Street for six miles to Glenstone Avenue. Turn right (south) on Glenstone, proceed four miles to Seminole Street, turn right on Seminole. Travel one block to the cemetery entrance.
Floral and grounds policy
Fresh cut flowers may be placed at gravesites at any time.
Artificial floral arrangements may be placed on gravesites starting the second Saturday in October through the second Sunday in April.
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 Springfield National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Springfield National Cemetery Confederate Burials in the National Cemetery - Confederate 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 Springfield National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Missouri State Veterans Cemetery - Springfield — Springfield, MO (4 mi · open)
- Missouri State Veterans Cemetery - Fort Leonard Wood — Waynesville, MO (72 mi · open)
- Baxter Springs City Soldiers' Lot — Baxter Springs, KS (82 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Springfield National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 1947 East Seminole Street in Springfield, MO. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Professional offerings include funeral planning, burial, and cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors.
Herman H Lohmeyer Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 500 East Walnut Street in Springfield, MO. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, visitation facilities, and funeral service facilities. Professional offerings include immediate need, traditional services, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $975. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,915, while direct cremation is available from $975. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (General), Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist, Baptist, and Non-denominational Christian. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.9-star Google rating across 84 reviews.
Midwest Cremation And Funeral Services, LLC is a premier funeral home located at 2026 West Woodland St. in Springfield, MO. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, arrangement room, and handicapped accessible. Professional offerings include cremation, burial, and traditional services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $795. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,395, while direct cremation is available from $795. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.9-star Google rating across 52 reviews.
Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. DeGraffenreid-Wood-Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 2001 West Walnut Lawn St. in Springfield, MO. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, cremation viewing room, and small chapels. Professional offerings include personalized services, traditional services, and visitation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,135. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,495, while direct cremation is available from $1,135. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Orthodox Christian, and Church of God.
Greenlawn Funeral Home, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 3506 North National Avenue in Springfield, MO. The property features well-appointed spaces including cemetery. Professional offerings include funeral, cremation, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,700. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,785, while direct cremation is available from $1,700. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian and Baptist.
Fraker Funeral Home Inc is a premier funeral home located at 1131 State Highway A in Marshfield, MO. 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 $1,995.
Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 303 South Jefferson Avenue in Aurora, MO. The property features well-appointed spaces including arrangement room and chapel. Professional offerings include pre-planning, life celebration service, and traditional service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,195. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Methodist, Christian (non-denominational), Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Catholic.
Buchanan Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 301 Euclid Avenue in Monett, MO. 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 $1,600.