Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga

Chattanooga National Cemetery is a historic military burial ground located near the center of Chattanooga in Hamilton County. Established in December 1863 by Major General George Henry Thomas in the aftermath of the Battles of Chattanooga, the cemetery was created as a final resting place for Union soldiers who fell during the Civil War. Initially, 75 acres were taken from local owners, and by 1870, the site held over 12,000 burials, including nearly 1,500 from the Battle of Chickamauga.

The cemetery’s design reflects its long history and the evolving practices of military burial. Over time, it grew to encompass approximately 120.9 acres and became the largest national cemetery in Tennessee. Its grounds are divided into various sections laid out in distinct shapes such as ovals, circles, crescents, and shields. Notable features include multiple entry points with characteristic brick columns and wrought-iron fencing, a flagpole set atop a round hill encircled by a memorial-lined drive, and several commemorative monuments. Among these, a prominent memorial honors the Andrews Raiders, featuring a replica of “The General,” the locomotive they famously stole during the war.

Chattanooga National Cemetery has also served as the final resting place for individuals from later conflicts. During World War I and World War II, the cemetery interred German prisoners of war who died in captivity; after these conflicts, additional POW remains were relocated here from Hot Springs National Cemetery at the expense of the German government. The cemetery’s historical significance was further recognized when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

Originally slated to close for new burials in 2015, a recent expansion project has extended its capacity by more than 5,000 interments, ensuring that it will continue to serve veterans and their families until at least 2045.