Background

Nashville National Cemetery: A Hallowed Ground

Honor the fallen at Nashville National Cemetery, a historic site and final resting place for thousands of Union soldiers and veterans.

4.7

Nashville National Cemetery, established in 1867 in Madison, TN, serves as the final resting place for over 34,000 Union soldiers, including more than 4,000 unknowns, primarily from the Civil War. The cemetery also contains the remains of veterans from later conflicts and is distinguished by its historic architecture and monuments.

A brief summary to Nashville National Cemetery

Local tips

  • Check the official website for updated information on visiting hours and any temporary closures.
  • Visit the administration building to use the gravesite locator if you're searching for a specific grave.
  • Take time to reflect at the USCT Monument, honoring the African American soldiers who fought for the Union.
  • Explore the cemetery grounds to appreciate the historic architecture, including the limestone archway and lodge.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Nashville, you can take WeGo Public Transit bus routes towards Madison. Several routes connect to Gallatin Pike, near the cemetery. Check the WeGo Public Transit website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. A single ride costs $2, and an all-day pass is $4.

  • Ride Share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Nashville. A ride from downtown Nashville to the cemetery will cost approximately $20-$30, depending on traffic and demand. Be sure to confirm the fare before you start your trip.

  • Driving

    From downtown Nashville, take I-65 N to Briley Pkwy/TN-155. Follow Briley Pkwy to Gallatin Pike S/US-31E in Davidson County. Take exit 14A from Briley Pkwy. Continue on Gallatin Pike S. The cemetery will be on your left. Parking is available at the cemetery. Parking costs in Nashville vary, with downtown garages charging from $3 to $20 for all-day parking. Event parking can range from $10 to $15.

Unlock the Best of Nashville National Cemetery

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Nashville National Cemetery

Nashville National Cemetery, located in Madison, Tennessee, approximately six miles northeast of Nashville's city center, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the Civil War and other conflicts. Established in 1867, the cemetery spans 64.5 acres and contains over 34,000 interments. The cemetery was created to consolidate the remains of Union soldiers from various temporary burial grounds and battlefields in the region, including those from Nashville's general hospitals, Franklin, Gallatin, Bowling Green, and Cave City. Over 4,000 of the interred are unknown soldiers. The cemetery is bisected by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, with an easement granted in perpetuity in 1912. Notable features include the limestone archway constructed in 1870, one of the oldest of its kind in Southern national cemeteries. The cemetery also features a historic lodge, originally built in 1873 and replaced in 1931. Two monuments honor Civil War soldiers: the Minnesota Monument, dedicated in 1921, and the Tennessee U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) Monument, honoring the 1,910 USCT soldiers buried there. Among the notable individuals interred here are Medal of Honor recipients and Chaplain Erastus M. Cravath, a founder of Fisk University. The cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. Visitors can find a gravesite locator at the administration building.

Popular Experiences near Nashville National Cemetery

Popular Hotels near Nashville National Cemetery

Select Currency