West Virginia National Cemetery

West Virginia National Cemetery is a military cemetery in Taylor County with rows of white headstones marking burial sites across the grounds. The orderly arrangement of stones creates a solemn and respectful landscape throughout the site.

The cemetery opened in 1987 after Grafton Cemetery reached capacity and a new burial ground for military veterans was needed. The land had previously been part of the West Virginia Industrial School for Boys, giving it a new purpose.

The granite monument to the Industrial School for Boys remembers those buried here between 1890 and 1939. It stands as a quiet marker of an earlier era that shaped this land.

The grounds are accessible to visitors throughout daylight hours, with administrative offices available during certain weekday hours. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since the cemetery covers a large area and exploring the burial sections requires time on foot.

In 2010, the remains of Private First Class Lawrence Harris were buried here after being missing for 66 years since his tank destroyer exploded in France during World War II. This late homecoming shows the site's role in honoring those long overlooked.

Location: Taylor County

GPS coordinates: 39.33278,-80.07083

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:24