United States Department of Veterans Affairs
United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Burial & Memorials

Cemeteries - Hampton VA National Cemetery

Hampton VA National Cemetery
VAMC, Emancipation Drive
Hampton, VA 23667
Phone: (757) 723-7104 or 722-9961
FAX: (757) 728-3144

Office Hours:
Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed federal holidays except Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Visitation Hours:
Open daily from dawn until dusk.

Photo of a iron plaque mounted on a small brick wall stating that veterans of the Spanish American War resides in that cemetery. Several upright markers with small American flags are mounted in front of each headstone.


Burial Space: This cemetery is closed to new interments. However, space may be available in the same gravesite for eligible family members.

Acreage: 0.3

Number of Interments
Thru Fiscal Year 2008:
 22

General Information Kiosk on Site? 
No

Floral/Ground Regulations


Directions from nearest airport: 
From Patrick Henry Airport, take Interstate 64 East to Exit 5, turning right at the end of the ramp. Take the next left on Emancipation Dr. (1/4 mile). The cemetery is on your right.




GENERAL INFORMATION

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HISTORICAL INFORMATION

This small parcel of land, less than one-fifth acre, is located on the grounds of the Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center complex in Hampton, Va. Composed of 22 graves aligned in three rows, it is the smallest cemetery overseen by VA.

Hampton VAMC cemetery was established in 1898 on the grounds of the Southern Branch of the National Home for Volunteer Soldiers and Sailors as an emergency measure during a Yellow Fever epidemic at the station. All men who died during the quarantine were to be buried here, regardless of the cause of death. At the onset of the epidemic, a rigid quarantine was enforced at the station and no one was allowed to leave or enter. The outbreak was contained and proved to be less severe than feared, however, with 43 documented cases. Twenty-two remains were interred here between July 30 and August 15, 1899. The men hailed mostly from New York and Pennsylvania, and included a blacksmith, carpenter, butcher and farmer.

Hampton VAMC cemetery was transferred from the Department of the Army to the Veterans Administration in September 1973. It was one of 21 Veteran Administration cemeteries located on medical center grounds that were combined with the existing national cemeteries to form the National Cemetery system.
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NOTABLE PERSONS

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FLORAL/GROUNDS REGULATIONS

Cemetery policies are conspicuously posted and readily visible to the public.

Floral arrangements accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed grave. Natural cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time of the year. They will be removed when they become unsightly or when it becomes necessary to facilitate cemetery operations such as mowing.

Artificial flowers and potted plants will be permitted on graves during periods when their presence will not interfere with grounds maintenance. As a general rule, artificial flowers and potted plants will be allowed on graves for a period extending 10 days before through 10 days after Easter Sunday and Memorial Day.

Christmas wreaths, grave blankets and other seasonal adornments may be placed on graves from Dec. 1 through Jan. 20. They may not be secured to headstones or markers.

Permanent plantings, statues, vigil lights, breakable objects and similar items are not permitted on the graves. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not permit adornments that are considered offensive, inconsistent with the dignity of the cemetery or considered hazardous to cemetery personnel. For example, items incorporating beads or wires may become entangled in mowers or other equipment and cause injury.

Permanent items removed from graves will be placed in an inconspicuous holding area for one month prior to disposal. Decorative items removed from graves remain the property of the donor but are under the custodianship of the cemetery. If not retrieved by the donor, they are then governed by the rules for disposal of federal property.
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