Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Vancouver Barracks National Cemetery
Vancouver Barracks Post Cemetery became a VA National Cemetery on March 6, 2020, when it was transferred to NCA by the Department of the Army in fulfillment of Executive Order 13781 and the VA's own Agency Reform plan. It was the fifth cemetery transferred to the NCA by the Army since June 2019.
Vancouver Barracks was established in 1849 as the first U.S. Army post in the Pacific Northwest. It closed as an active post in 2011. The cemetery contains more than 1,500 occupied gravesites, including U.S. military personnel, civilians, foreign personnel, German and Italian POW's, Native Americans and Unknowns.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Vancouver Barracks 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:
First Sergeant James M.
Hill (Indian War Campaigns). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, 5th U.S. Cavalry, for "Gallantry in action" at Turret Mountain, AZ, on March 25, 1873. Hill died in 1919 and is buried in Section 4W, Grave 650.
First Lieutenant William W.
McCammon (American Civil War). He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company E, 24th Missouri Infantry, for actions in Corinth, MS, on October 3, 1862. Citation: "While on duty as provost marshal, voluntarily assumed command of his company, then under fire, and so continued in command until the repulse and retreat of the enemy on the following day, the loss to this company during the battle being very great." McCammon died in 1903 and is buried in Section 4W, Grave 412.
Musician Herman Pfisterer (War with Spain).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company H, 21st Infantry, for actions in Santiago, Cuba, on July 1, 1898. Citation: "Gallantly assisted in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and under heavy fire from the enemy." Pfisterer died in 1905 and is buried in Section 4E, Grave 448.
First Sergeant Moses Williams (Indian War Campaigns).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Army, Company I, 9th U.S. Cavalry, for actions at foothills of the Cuchillo Negro Mountains, New Mexico, on August 16, 1881. Citation: "Rallied a detachment, skillfully conducted a running fight of 3 or 4 hours, and by his coolness, bravery, and unflinching devotion to duty in standing by his commanding officer in an exposed position under a heavy fire from a large party of Indians saved the lives of at least three of his comrades." Williams died in 1899 and is buried in Section 8W, Grave 393.
Eligibility for burial at Vancouver Barracks 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
From Portland International Airport: Head northwest on NE Airport Way to merge onto I-205 N. Take exit 27 toward Vancouver, keep left at the fork and merge onto WA-14 W. In approximately 5 miles, take I-5 N toward Seattle. Take exit Fourth Plain Blvd exit, proceed East approximately one block, and the cemetery will be on the left.
Floral and grounds policy
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.
Artificial flowers and potted plants will be permitted on graves between November 1 and March 1. As a rule, artificial flowers and potted plants will be allowed on graves for a period extending five days before through five days after Easter Sunday and Memorial Day.
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
We are developing educational content for this national cemetery, and will post new materials as they become available. Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
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Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Vancouver Barracks National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Willamette National Cemetery — Portland, OR (14 mi · open)
- Fort Stevens National Cemetery — Hammond, OR (74 mi · open)
- Tahoma National Cemetery — Kent, WA (124 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Vancouver Barracks National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Brown's Funeral Home & Cremation Services is a premier funeral home located at 410 Northeast Garfield Street in Camas, WA. The property features well-appointed spaces including crematory and reception room. Professional offerings include burial, cremation, and celebration of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,445. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,335, while direct cremation is available from $2,445. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Christian (various denominations).
Terry Family Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2337 North Williams Avenue in Portland, OR. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home, chapel, and viewing rooms. Professional offerings include preplanning, traditional funerals, and non-traditional funerals, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $900. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,695, while direct cremation is available from $900. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME), Non-denominational Christian, and Catholic. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.7-star Google rating across 31 reviews.
Holman's Funeral & Cremation Service is a premier funeral home located at 2610 Southeast Hawthorne Blvd. in Portland, OR. The property features well-appointed spaces including historic hawthorne mansion, welcoming entryway, and soft lighting. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and burial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,695. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,695. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Jewish.
Heritage Memorial is a premier funeral home located at 6705 Southeast 14Th Avenue in Portland, OR. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Professional offerings include cremation services, funeral preplanning, and prepaid cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,270. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,505, while direct cremation is available from $2,270. The standard basic services fee for the funeral director and staff is $2,880. Additional typical expenses include embalming ($680) and use of facilities for viewing ($1,050).
Wilhelm's Portland Memorial Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 6705 SE 14th Ave. in Portland, OR. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,505, while direct cremation is available from $2,270.
River View Cemetery Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 8421 South Macadam Avenue in Portland, OR. The property features well-appointed spaces including elegant facilities, onsite cemetery, and mausoleum. Professional offerings include natural funerals, aqua cremation, and personalized services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,695. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,995, while direct cremation is available from $1,695. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All faiths.
Young's Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 11831 Southwest Pacific Highway in Tigard, OR. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, celebration of life center, and flexible chapel space. Professional offerings include cremation, burial, and celebration of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,620. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Catholic Tradition, Christian Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Hindu Customs, Jewish Practices, Muslim Funeral Traditions, Black Funeral Traditions, Chung Yeung Festival, Día de los Muertos, and Qingming Festival.
Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 520 West Powell Boulevard in Gresham, OR. 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 $1,620.