Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, Military cemetery in Russell County, Alabama.
Fort Mitchell National Cemetery is a military burial ground spanning approximately 280 acres in Russell County with separate sections designated for veterans and their family members. The grounds feature organized rows of grave sites and maintained green spaces throughout the property.
Fort Mitchell National Cemetery opened in May 1987 on a 280-acre site, using the old post cemetery at Fort Mitchell as its location. It was designated the national cemetery for Federal Region IV, serving veterans from seven southeastern states. The fort itself dates to the Creek War of 1813–1814, and in 1836 about 1,600 Creek people were gathered there before a forced march west on the Trail of Tears.
Among the notable burials is Sergeant Matthew Leonard (1929–1967), a Medal of Honor recipient for action in Vietnam, whose remains were moved here from Birmingham's Shadow Lawn Memorial Park. Major Timpoochee Barnard, a Yuchi chief who signed the 1814 Treaty of Fort Jackson, is also buried here.
The cemetery lies beside the state-run Fort Mitchell Park, reached from Highway 165 in Russell County. Graves are arranged in sections, and the flat markers make walking between rows straightforward; the open lawn offers little shade, so plan for sun. The grounds are open daily, and visitors should leave the setting as they find it.
Fort Mitchell National Cemetery serves veterans from seven southeastern states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
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