Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Wilmington National Cemetery
Wilmington National Cemetery is located in New Hanover County near downtown Wilmington, NC, on the Cape Fear River.
During the Civil War, Wilmington harbor was one of the most significant importation depots for the South, and as such mines and underwater explosives protected it. In addition, the heavily armed Fort Fisher guarded the entrance to the harbor. Until the last few months of the Civil War, Fort Fisher kept the port of Wilmington open to blockade-runners supplying necessary goods to Confederate armies inland. Unlike older fortifications built of brick and mortar, Fort Fisher was made mostly of earth and sand, which was ideal for absorbing the shock of heavy explosives. By 1865, the supply line through Wilmington was the last remaining route open to Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia.
The Union army and navy planned several attacks on Fort Fisher and Wilmington, but made no attempt until December 24, 1864. After two days of fighting and little headway, Union commanders concluded the fort was too strong and withdrew. However, they returned for a second attempt on January 12, 1865, and for more than two days federal ships bombarded it from land and sea. Three days later, more than 3,300 Union infantry, including the 27th U.S. Colored Troops, attacked. After several hours of fierce combat, Union troops captured the fort. The Confederate army evacuated their remaining forts in the Cape Fear area and within weeks Union forces overran Wilmington. Once Wilmington fell, the Confederacy's supply line was severed and the Civil War was soon over.
In 1867, land was purchased from a local Wilmington resident for the construction of a national cemetery. Most of the original interments were remains removed from the Wilmington City Cemetery, Fort Fisher, Fort Johnson and the surrounding area. An inspection dated May 13, 1870, reports 2,039 interments, including 698 known and 1,341 unknown graves marked by headboards.
Also buried in Wilmington National Cemetery are the remains of a group of Puerto Rican laborers who fell victim to the great influenza epidemic of 1918. On November 14, 1918, the Wilmington Morning Star reported an outbreak of influenza on a ship docked in the Cape Fear River. The government vessel, City of Savannah, had arrived two days earlier carrying 1,900 Puerto Ricans to Fayetteville to aid in the construction of Camp Bragg. By the time the ship left Wilmington harbor, 28 of the Puerto Rican laborers had been buried at the national cemetery.
Wilmington National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
Monuments and Memorials Wilmington National Cemetery has no monuments or memorials.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Wilmington National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Under Development.
Eligibility for burial at Wilmington 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
Cemetery is located approximately 20 blocks from the historic center of the City of Wilmington. From Wilmington International Airport, exit the airport on Airport Drive. Turn left on 23rd Street. Continue approximately two miles to Market Street. Turn right. Cemetery is three blocks on your right.
Floral and grounds policy
Our floral and grounds policy exists to reflect the honor and respect we hold for our Nation's Veterans, by preserving the dignity and solemnity of their final resting place.
These items are welcome:
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 Wilmington National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Wilmington 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 Wilmington National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery — Jacksonville, NC (45 mi · open)
- Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery — Goldsboro, NC (77 mi · open)
- New Bern National Cemetery — New Bern, NC (79 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Wilmington National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Andrews Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at Po Box 1319 in Wilmington, NC. The property features well-appointed spaces including on_site_crematory, columbarium, and ossuary. Professional offerings include cremation, burial, and pre_planning_services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,870. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $6,000, while direct cremation is available from $2,870.
Wilmington Funeral & Cremation is a premier funeral home located at 1535 South 41St Street in Wilmington, NC. The property features well-appointed spaces including onsite crematory, columbarium niches, and mausoleums. Professional offerings include cremation arrangements, cremation services, and final resting place, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,225. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,490, while direct cremation is available from $2,225. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Accommodates all cultures and religions and Offers humanistic services.
Hampstead Memorial Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 16076 US-17 Hwy N in Hampstead, NC. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Brunswick Funeral Service is a premier funeral home located at 5229 Ocean Highway West in Shallotte, NC. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home, on-site crematory, and perpetual care cemetery (brunswick memorial gardens). General services start at $2,499. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,999, while direct cremation is available from $2,181. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Methodist, and Presbyterian.
White Funeral & Cremation Service is a premier funeral home located at 3660 Express Dr. in Shallotte, NC. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, celebration of life center, and modern funeral home. Professional offerings include cremation, burial, and celebration of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,120. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,795, while direct cremation is available from $2,120. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian traditions, Buddhist, Catholic, Christian (Protestant), Hispanic traditions, Hindu, Jewish, and Muslim.
Padgett Funeral Home And Cremation Services is a premier funeral home located at 401 West Main St. in Wallace, NC. The property features well-appointed spaces including lending library and viewing room. Professional offerings include burial services, cremation services, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,145. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,295, while direct cremation is available from $2,145. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (various denominations).
Jones Funeral Home of Jacksonville is a premier funeral home located at 303 Chaney Ave. in Jacksonville, NC. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Coastal Cremations is a premier funeral home located at 10180 Ocean Hwy. W in Carolina Shores, NC. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematories, secure id view, and reception rooms. Professional offerings include cremation, preplanning, and immediate need services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,275. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,995, while direct cremation is available from $1,275.