Hampton National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery located in the independent city of Hampton, Virginia. The cemetery occupies a total of 27.1 acres and, according to records at the end of 2005, contained 27,799 interments. It is administered as part of the national system of military cemeteries and preserves the graves and memorials of American service members and eligible family members.

Layout and sections

The facility is divided into two distinct, nearby parcels. The older, original area is commonly referred to as the "Hampton Section" and is found on Cemetery Road on the western side of Interstate 64. The newer parcel, often called the "Phoebus Addition" or the "Phoebus Section," lies on West County Street east of I-64. The two sections are less than a mile apart and together form the cemetery property. Both sections are closed to new interments, meaning no new burials are being accepted there.

Characteristics and features

As with many national cemeteries, Hampton National Cemetery is characterized by orderly rows of uniform headstones, a landscape designed for dignity and reflection, and elements intended to honor military service. The grounds include marked graves, veteran memorials, and commemorative monuments typical of national cemeteries. Paths and plantings provide a park-like setting for commemoration and public visiting.

History and development

The cemetery traces its origins to the era of large-scale military burials in the 19th century, when the United States established many national burial grounds. Over the decades the site expanded to accommodate the remains of veterans from multiple conflicts. The creation of an additional Phoebus section reflects the pattern of growth seen at other national cemeteries when nearby land was acquired to provide further burial space.

Uses, importance, and public access

Hampton National Cemetery serves as a place of remembrance for veterans and their families and as a historical record of military sacrifice in the region. While closed to new interments, the grounds remain open for visitation and for ceremonies on national observances, such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Researchers, descendants, and visitors often consult cemetery records for genealogical and historical purposes; official information is available through federal cemetery administration resources and local historical organizations.

Distinctions and notable facts

  • The site totals 27.1 acres and contained 27,799 interments as of the end of 2005.
  • It consists of two sections—the original Hampton Section (west of I-64) and the Phoebus Addition (east of I-64)—located less than a mile apart.
  • Both sections are closed to new interments but remain maintained as historical and commemorative grounds.

For official details, burial records, and visitor information, consult the cemetery's federal administration page: Hampton National Cemetery information.