Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Staunton National Cemetery
Staunton National Cemetery is located in the Shenandoah Valley approximately one mile east of downtown Staunton, VA.
The 1.15-acre plot of land was designated a national cemetery in September 1868. Original interments were the remains removed from the city cemetery at Staunton as well as Cross Keys, Port Republic, and the Waynesboro area. Of the original 749 interments, 518 were unknown.
Staunton National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
Monuments and Memorials There are no monuments or memorials located at Staunton National Cemetery.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Staunton National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Buffalo Soldier Nicolae Dunca was born in 1837, in Transylvania, Romania, came to the United States in December 1861.
He enlisted in the Union Army in 1862 and due to his past military experience, was appointed captain of the 12th Infantry Regiment. Dunca was killed in action at the Battle of Cross Keys on June 8, 1862, and was still a Romanian citizen at the time of death. He was buried at Perkey's Farm, Cross Keys, VA, and his remains were moved to Staunton .
Section B, Site 292
Eligibility for burial at Staunton 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 may be reached from Interstate Highway 81; take Exit 222 to Route 250. Proceed west towards Staunton one mile. The cemetery is on the right.
Floral and grounds policy
Cemetery policies are conspicuously posted and readily visible to the public.
Floral arrangements accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed grave. Natural cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time of the year. They will be removed when they become unsightly or when it becomes necessary to facilitate cemetery operations such as mowing.
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 Staunton National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Staunton 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 Staunton National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Culpeper National Cemetery — Culpeper, VA (62 mi · open)
- Culpeper National Cemetery Annex — Culpeper, VA (62 mi · open)
- Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia — Amelia, VA (79 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Staunton National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Henry Funeral Home Inc is a premier funeral home located at 1030 West Beverley Street in Staunton, VA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site dining, catering options, and reflections garden. Professional offerings include traditional funeral service, cremation, and memorial service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,695. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $3,500. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Church of the Brethren, and Non-denominational Christian.
Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Center is a premier funeral home located at 1030 West Beverley St. in Staunton, VA. 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 $3,500.
Bear Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 14 Green Hill Lane in Churchville, VA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel, viewing/visitation rooms, and peaceful and dignified facility. Professional offerings include personalized services, service options, and honoring veterans, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,848. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,599.
McDow Funeral Home Inc is a premier funeral home located at 1701 West Main Street in Waynesboro, VA. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, viewing rooms, and visitation rooms. Professional offerings include traditional services, cremation services, and funeral service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,100. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,500, while direct cremation is available from $3,100. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Methodist, Baptist, Mennonite, Pentecostal, and Free Methodist.
Lindsey Funeral Homes-Weyers Cave is a premier funeral home located at 982 Keezletown Rd. in Weyers Cave, VA. The property features well-appointed spaces including mountain views, chapel, and piano or organ on-site. Professional offerings include cremation remembrance jewelry, mail delivery of ashes, and catered events, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $945. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $3,195. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Buddhist, Catholic, Islamic, and Jewish.
Johnson Funeral & Cremation Service is a premier funeral home located at 208 South Main Street in Bridgewater, VA. The property features well-appointed spaces including spacious gathering areas, manicured front lawn, and plenty of parking. Professional offerings include funerals, cremation, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,050. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $6,100, while direct cremation is available from $3,050.
Eastlawn Memorial Gardens is a premier funeral home located at 3289 Spotswood Trail in Harrisonburg, VA. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible chapel space, chapel, and mountain views. Professional offerings include traditional burial, cremation, and mausoleum entombment, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Muslim, Multicultural, and Hispanic. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.2-star Google rating across 23 reviews.
McMullen Funeral Home Inc is a premier funeral home located at 5784 Greenmount Road in Harrisonburg, VA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site funeral home for visitation and ceremonies, cremation services, and eco-friendly burial options. Professional offerings include traditional burial, cremation, and eco-friendly burials, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Traditional burial arrangements are offered from $4,670. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (various denominations, including Mennonite) and Catholic.