**New Albany National Cemetery**
**Definition:**
New Albany National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery located in New Albany, Indiana. Established during the American Civil War, it serves as a burial ground for military veterans and their eligible family members.
—
## New Albany National Cemetery
### Overview
New Albany National Cemetery is a historic military cemetery situated in Floyd County, Indiana, near the city of New Albany. It is part of the National Cemetery Administration, which operates under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The cemetery provides a dignified final resting place for veterans of the United States Armed Forces and eligible family members, reflecting the nation’s commitment to honoring those who have served.
### Location and Size
The cemetery is located at 3215 Charlestown Road in New Albany, Indiana. It occupies approximately 15 acres of land and is characterized by well-maintained grounds, orderly rows of headstones, and monuments commemorating the service and sacrifice of American military personnel.
### Historical Background
New Albany National Cemetery was established in 1862 during the height of the American Civil War. The cemetery was created to inter Union soldiers who died in nearby military hospitals and battlefields. New Albany’s strategic location along the Ohio River made it a significant logistical and medical hub during the war, with several hospitals treating wounded soldiers.
The cemetery was officially designated as a National Cemetery in 1867, following the passage of legislation to establish and maintain burial grounds for Union soldiers. Over time, the cemetery expanded to accommodate veterans from subsequent conflicts, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and more recent military engagements.
### Design and Layout
The design of New Albany National Cemetery follows the traditional layout common to many national cemeteries established during the Civil War era. The grounds are arranged in neat, symmetrical rows of white marble or granite headstones, each marking the grave of a veteran or eligible family member. The orderly arrangement symbolizes the equality of all who served, regardless of rank or status.
The cemetery includes several monuments and memorials dedicated to specific military units, wars, or groups of veterans. These monuments serve as focal points for remembrance ceremonies and provide historical context for visitors.
### Interments and Eligibility
New Albany National Cemetery is the final resting place for thousands of veterans from various branches of the U.S. military. Interments include those who served in the Civil War, as well as veterans from later conflicts. The cemetery also accepts the remains of eligible family members, including spouses and dependent children.
Eligibility for burial in the cemetery is governed by federal regulations administered by the National Cemetery Administration. Generally, any member of the armed forces who dies on active duty or any veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable may be eligible for burial. Family members may also be interred in the same gravesite or in designated family plots.
### Administration and Maintenance
The cemetery is administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration (NCA). The NCA is responsible for the maintenance, preservation, and operation of the cemetery, ensuring that it remains a dignified and respectful place of remembrance.
Maintenance activities include landscaping, headstone cleaning and repair, monument upkeep, and the provision of visitor services. The cemetery staff also coordinates memorial events, such as Memorial Day ceremonies, to honor the sacrifices of veterans.
### Notable Features and Monuments
New Albany National Cemetery contains several notable monuments and features that highlight its historical significance:
– **Civil War Monument:** A prominent monument dedicated to Union soldiers who died during the Civil War, often featuring inscriptions and symbolic imagery such as the eagle or the American flag.
– **Memorial Plaques:** Various plaques commemorate specific military units or campaigns, providing historical information for visitors.
– **Flagpole and Parade Grounds:** The cemetery includes a central flagpole and an area used for ceremonial events, including wreath-laying and military honors.
### Community and Educational Role
Beyond serving as a burial ground, New Albany National Cemetery plays an important role in the local community and in veteran affairs. It is a site for educational programs, historical tours, and commemorative events that promote awareness of military history and the sacrifices made by service members.
Local schools, veterans’ organizations, and civic groups often participate in activities at the cemetery, fostering a connection between the community and the nation’s military heritage.
### Access and Visitor Information
The cemetery is open to the public year-round during daylight hours. Visitors can pay respects, conduct genealogical research, or participate in memorial ceremonies. The grounds are accessible and provide informational signage to assist visitors in locating gravesites and understanding the historical context.
Visitors are encouraged to observe respectful behavior, including maintaining the cleanliness of the grounds and adhering to cemetery rules regarding photography, decorations, and conduct.
### Preservation and Future Plans
Efforts to preserve New Albany National Cemetery focus on maintaining the integrity of the historic landscape and ensuring that the cemetery can continue to serve veterans and their families. This includes ongoing restoration projects, improvements to infrastructure, and the incorporation of modern technology for record-keeping and visitor services.
The National Cemetery Administration periodically reviews capacity and expansion needs to accommodate future interments, balancing preservation with the demand for burial space.
—
## Conclusion
New Albany National Cemetery stands as a solemn tribute to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Established during the Civil War, it has evolved into a well-maintained national cemetery that honors veterans from multiple conflicts. Through its historical significance, community involvement, and ongoing preservation efforts, the cemetery remains a vital part of the nation’s commitment to remembering and respecting those who have defended the country.
—
**Meta Description:**
New Albany National Cemetery in Indiana is a historic military cemetery established during the Civil War, serving as a final resting place for U.S. veterans and their families. It features monuments, orderly gravesites, and plays an important role in community remembrance and education.