LOUISIANA

The Baton Rouge National Cemetery is a historic military cemetery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, established in 1867 in the aftermath of the American Civil War. It was created to serve as a final resting place for Union soldiers who died in nearby battles and military hospitals, many of whom were originally buried in scattered or temporary graves before being reinterred at the site.

Covering just under eight acres, the cemetery is relatively small but holds more than 5,000 graves, most belonging to U.S. military veterans from the Civil War through more recent conflicts. Over time, it expanded beyond Civil War burials to include veterans from later wars and eligible family members.

The cemetery is managed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and is recognized for its historical importance, including its connection to the shifting control of Baton Rouge during the Civil War. In 1997, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting its cultural and historical significance.

Today, the Baton Rouge National Cemetery remains an active burial site as well as a place of remembrance. Its quiet, well-maintained grounds serve as a lasting tribute to generations of American service members.