Sitka National Cemetery

Sitka National Cemetery is a military burial ground covering roughly 4 acres on the outskirts of town with graves of service members, veterans, and their families. The grounds are maintained as an official national cemetery with sections for different periods of service.

The grounds were established between 1868 and 1870 when the United States was building its military presence in newly acquired Alaska. The cemetery evolved as the region's defense operations expanded over the following decades.

The cemetery reflects Sitka's role as a military hub, and many of those buried here shaped Alaska's development. Visitors can walk among graves of people who were central to the region's growth.

The cemetery sits on the edge of town and is open during regular business hours on weekdays, with limited access on weekends. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the grounds are sloped and can be muddy depending on recent weather.

Two old memorial cannons stand on the grounds as reminders of the site's military past. A decorated Korean War service member has a cenotaph here that marks his exceptional sacrifice and service.

Location: Alaska

Inception: 1868

Architects: Jefferson C. Davis

Website: https://cem.va.gov/CEM/cems/nchp/sitka.asp

GPS coordinates: 57.05110,-135.31600

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:26