Memphis National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery located in the city of Memphis, in Shelby County, Tennessee. It encompasses 44.2 acres, and as of the end of 2005, had 41,873 interments.

History

Originally established as Mississippi River National Cemetery when the Union forces took control of the city of Memphis during the American Civil War, it served to inter veterans who died while in the many military hospitals in the region. After the war, several battlefield cemeteries were transferred to Memphis.

On April 26, 1865, the USS Sultana exploded when its boiler ruptured while moored to take on coal near Memphis. Many of the dead from that accident were buried in Memphis National Cemetery.

Notable monuments

• The Illinois Monument, a granite and bronze sarcophagus, dedicated in 1929.
• The Minnesota Monument, a granite monument erected in 1916.

Notable interments

• Private James H. Robinson, Medal of Honor recipient for action during the Civil War.

See also

• United States Department of Veterans Affairs
• United States National Cemetery

External links

• National Cemetery Administration
• Memphis National Cemetery

Cemeteries in Tennessee | Landmarks in Tennessee | Shelby County, Tennessee | United States military memorials and cemeteries