Grafton, West Virginia, USA, Nationaler Friedhof von Grafton, 1867-2010

This database contains digital images of all gravestones in Grafton National Cemetery, located in Grafton, West Virginia. Grafton National Cemetery was established in 1867, and this collection includes burials through 2010 for more than 1600 people.

Cemetery section is provided for each image. Information on the markers varies. Some may contain only a number of initials; others may include facts such as name, birth date, death date, age, rank, and state of origin.

Historical Background

The United States created the first National Cemeteries for its soldiers during the Civil War. These cemeteries filled two needs: one was a desire to honor the sacrifice made by Union dead with a dignified and proper burial place; the other was dealing with the unprecedented (and unexpected) loss of life during the Civil War.

The first 14 National Cemeteries were established in 1862, with more to follow. Many of the early cemeteries were located on or near battlefields, hospitals, POW camps, and other sites where large numbers of men had died and, out of necessity, already been buried. Others were established at post cemeteries and National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers.

While initially National Cemeteries were only for Union dead, eligibility was expanded over time. Still, it wasn't until 1901 that a Confederate section was established in Arlington and 264 former Confederate soldiers were reinterred there. Today, more than 3 million Americans have been laid to rest in U.S. national cemeteries.