Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Union Confederate Monument Site
Established in 1857 between the towns of Westport and Kansas, Missouri, the 49-acre Union Cemetery was intended for both communities. Thus, the cemetery was not named after the Union Army, but for the union of the two communities. In 1889, the town of Kansas changed its name to Kansas City, and annexed Westport in 1897. Today, the cemetery is located within downtown Kansas City. Many notable local figures are interred in Union Cemetery, including George Caleb Bingham, a 19th-century painter, and Alexander Majors, who helped establish the Pony Express.
The 8' tall granite obelisk commemorates 15 Confederate prisoners of war who died in Kansas City. Originally buried in the city cemetery, their remains were subsequently interred in Union Cemetery, although the location of the individual graves are not known. Two bronze tablets fastened to the monument list the names of the prisoners, who were taken during the Battle of Westport, the turning point in the Missouri Campaign of Confederate Major General Sterling Price.
The lot is located in the northeast section of the cemetery and it is identified as stop #15 in the cemetery's walking tour.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Union Confederate Monument Site, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Under Development.
Eligibility for burial at Union Confederate Monument Site
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.
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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
From the Kansas City International Airport (MCI), Kansas City, MO you proceed from terminal area and enter the roundabout taking the exit toward the freeway U.S. I-29, merge onto U.S. I-29 South / U.S. -71 toward Kansas City, travel 10.7 miles and merge onto U.S. 169 South via Exit 2B, toward Kansas City Downtown, travel 5.6 miles and U.S. 169 becomes Broadway Road, travel approx. 0.7 miles and turn left onto West Truman Road, travel 0.2 miles, turn right onto Main Street, travel 1.4 miles and turn left onto Warwick Trafficway, proceed 0.1 miles then turn right onto East 28th Street Terrace, proceed 0.1 miles and you will be at the Union Cemetery, 227 East 28th Terrace, Kansas City, Missouri 64108, your travel time is 28 minutes and the distance is approximately 21.25 miles from the airport.
From Union Station in downtown Kansas City, Missouri you would start out in front of the train station on 30 West Pershing Road # 210, Kansas City, MO and go west on West Pershing Road for 0.1 miles then a sharp turn left to stay on West Pershing Road, travel for 0.1 miles then turn right onto Main Street / Carl J. DiCapo Drive, continue to follow for .6 miles then turn left onto Warwick Trafficway and proceed for 0.1 miles then turn right on East 28th Street Terrace, go for 0.1 miles and you end at the Union Cemetery 227 East Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64108. Your travel time is three minutes and the distance is approximately 1.0 miles.
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. Fresh-cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time of the year. Cemetery visitors are free to use flower containers located in receptacles placed throughout the grounds. Flowers are picked up on the first and third Mondays of the month during the mowing season, April 1 through October 1.
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 Union Confederate Monument Site.
A National Cemetery System Union Confederate Monument Site 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 Union Confederate Monument Site (by straight-line distance):
- Leavenworth National Cemetery — Leavenworth, KS (22 mi · open)
- Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery — Fort Leavenworth, KS (27 mi · unknown)
- Missouri State Veterans Cemetery - Higginsville — Higginsville, MO (45 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Union Confederate Monument Site have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Muehlebach Funeral Care is a premier funeral home located at 6800 Troost Avenue in Kansas City, MO. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel. Professional offerings include funeral arrangements, advanced planning arrangements, and prearranged funeral plans, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,355. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,350, while direct cremation is available from $2,355. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic.
Serenity Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 1101 East Bannister Road in Kansas City, MO. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home and on-site crematory. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and chapel service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,495. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,895, while direct cremation is available from $1,495. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist and Seventh-day Adventist.
Carson-Speaks Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 1501 West Lexington Avenue in Independence, MO. The property features well-appointed spaces including suburban chapel, carson-speaks chapel, and buckner chapel. Professional offerings include transparent pricing, pre-arrangements, and memorial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,590. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,490, while direct cremation is available from $3,590. The standard basic services fee for the funeral director and staff is $3,395. Additional typical expenses include embalming ($995) and use of facilities for viewing ($790).
Newcomer's White Chapel Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 6600 Northeast Antioch Road in Gladstone, MO. The property features well-appointed spaces including arrangement rooms, audio and video equipment, and beautiful views. Professional offerings include arrangements by phone or email, burial, and catered events, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,295. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,445, while direct cremation is available from $2,295. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Christian (Protestant), Seventh-day Adventist, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, and Muslim.
Mrs. JW Jones Memorial Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 703 North 10th St. in Kansas City, KS. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Professional offerings include personalized services, veteran services, and preplanning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $995. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,040, while direct cremation is available from $995. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (Baptist) and Christian (Pentecostal).
Maple Hill Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 3300 Shawnee Drive in Kansas City, KS. The property features well-appointed spaces including cemetery grounds, on-site crematory, and community mausoleum. Professional offerings include funerals, cremation services, and cemetery services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,595. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,295, while direct cremation is available from $1,595. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Christian. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.3-star Google rating across 32 reviews.
Larkin & Garcia Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 1844 Minnesota Avenue in Kansas City, KS. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral service room and reception area. Professional offerings include burials, cremation, and exclusive hearse options, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,540, while direct cremation is available from $1,695. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic.
McGilley & George Funeral Home & Cremation Services is a premier funeral home located at 12913 Grandview Road in Grandview, MO. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home, funeral chapel, and cemetery. Professional offerings include funeral planning, cremation, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $4,265. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,895, while direct cremation is available from $3,790. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Buddhist, Catholic, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, Protestant, and Taoist.