Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of West Virginia National Cemetery
West Virginia National Cemetery is located approximately five miles west of Grafton, WV, in Taylor County. Beginning in the 1960s, it became increasingly apparent that the Grafton National Cemetery was running out of burial space. As a result, West Virginia veterans' organizations began lobbying for a second national cemetery. In 1975, after extensive studies to determine whether or not Grafton could be expanded, authorities determined that the grounds were too steep and the cost too prohibitive. The West Virginia United Veterans National Cemetery Committee was formed and began to pressure the governor and members of the congressional delegation for a new national cemetery.
After extensive negotiations between the Veterans Administration and the state, a 58-acre tract that had been part of the West Virginia Industrial School for Boys was selected for use as a new cemetery. The land was transferred, but construction was delayed by inclement weather and negotiations with local contractors. Although construction was incomplete, the cemetery was dedicated September 27, 1987, and opened for interments the following day.
Monuments and Memorials The Industrial School for Boys monument is a granite memorial that was dedicated in 1992. It was erected in memory of residents of the West Virginia Industrial School for Boys who were buried at the cemetery between 1890 and 1939.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at West Virginia National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Captain Philip Pindall (Revolutionary War).
Pindall (1731–1804) was born in Prince George's County, Maryland, to Thomas and Jane Pindall. During the Revolutionary War, he enlisted as a private in Colonel Lemuel Barrett's Regiment of Maryland Militia before gaining a commission as a Captain on May 16, 1778. Pindall died at the age of 73, and was buried in the Wiseman Graveyard near Lowesville, WV before being reinterred at West Virginia National Cemetery on July 23, 1998. He now rests in Section 1, Site 556.
Eligibility for burial at West Virginia 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 West Virginia National Cemetery is in North Central West Virginia, located on the right of Route 50 in Pruntytown, WV, 16 miles East of Clarksburg, WV. From Interstate 79, take Exit 124 (Jerry Dove Drive-West Virginia 279 E), then onto Route 50 East, for 12 miles.
Floral and grounds policy
The West Virginia National Cemetery is not responsible for any items left at the gravesite. Flowers are placed at your own risk; they will not be replaced by the cemetery if they are lost, stolen or damaged.
Floral arrangements accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed grave.
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 West Virginia National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Grafton National Cemetery — Grafton, WV (7 mi · closed)
- National Cemetery of the Alleghenies — Bridgeville, PA (73 mi · open)
- Allegheny Cemetery Soldiers' Lot — Pittsburgh, PA (84 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of West Virginia National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 220 N Walnut Street in Philippi, WV. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, main chapel, and secondary chapel. Professional offerings include immediate support, pre planning, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,700, while direct cremation is available from $2,100.
Carpenter & Ford Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 209 Merchant Street in Fairmont, WV. The property features well-appointed spaces including viewing/visitation rooms, funeral/memorial service facilities, and chapel services (implied). Professional offerings include burial, cremation, and funeral, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,475. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,660, while direct cremation is available from $2,475. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (various denominations) and Catholic.
Williams Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 226 North Sr 20 in Pine Grove, WV. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel and casket selection room. Professional offerings include traditional service, graveside service, and memorial service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,075. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,250, while direct cremation is available from $2,075. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and Independent Pilgrim Church.
McCulla Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 770 Fairmont Road in Morgantown, WV. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home. Professional offerings include burial services, burial pricing options, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,650. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,985, while direct cremation is available from $2,650. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (Protestant) and Christian (Catholic).
Smith Funeral & Cremation Care is a premier funeral home located at 108 Holland Ave. in Morgantown, WV. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory. Professional offerings include immediate need, traditional services, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,495. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,495. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Evangelical Methodist.
Fred L. Jenkens Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 10 South High St. in Morgantown, WV. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, reception area, and hospitality area. Professional offerings include traditional services, cremation services, and memorial service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,940. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,305, while direct cremation is available from $2,940. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian denominations (as they offer services in churches and work with clergy).
Hastings Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 153 Spruce St. in Morgantown, WV. 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 $2,860.
Tomblyn Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 45 Randolph Avenue in Elkins, WV. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home facilities. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and service options, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,895. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,725, while direct cremation is available from $1,895.