Alton National Cemetery

Alton National Cemetery, located in Alton, Illinois, is a historic military burial ground that serves as the final resting place for U.S. veterans. Established in 1870, the cemetery primarily contains the graves of Union soldiers who perished at the nearby Alton Military Prison during the Civil War. The prison, which operated from 1862 to 1865, housed Confederate prisoners of war as well as criminals and deserters. Many of those who died from disease and harsh conditions were buried in the cemetery.

Although relatively small compared to other national cemeteries, Alton National Cemetery holds significant historical value. It is maintained by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and continues to be an active burial site for eligible veterans. The cemetery features a distinctive monument honoring the soldiers interred there, as well as traditional government-issued headstones marking the graves.