Fort Harrison National Cemetery

Fort Harrison National Cemetery sits on roughly 1.5 acres in Henrico County with more than a thousand graves arranged in careful sections. Headstones line the rows, and trees frame the pathways, giving the grounds a quiet, dignified character.

The grounds were established in 1866 to bury Union soldiers who died in nearby battles, including the Battle of Chaffin's Farm. It arose from the need to honor those lost in one of the nation's deadliest conflicts.

The cemetery takes its name from a fort that sheltered soldiers during wartime, and this history shapes how visitors experience the grounds today. The orderly arrangement of graves reflects the military structure that is maintained here.

The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset and offer quiet paths for walking and reflection. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and prepare for uneven terrain, as pathways wind through rolling areas.

Most of the graves hold soldiers whose names were never identified, giving the cemetery a special meaning for the unknown fallen. These anonymous resting places remind visitors of war's human side beyond names and ranks.

Location: Virginia

Inception: 1866

Architects: Montgomery C. Meigs

Phone: +18047952031

Website: https://cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/FtHarrison.asp

GPS coordinates: 37.42830,-77.36670

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:41