Fort Snelling Cemetery - A Place Of Honor

When you think about places that hold deep meaning for our country, some spots just stand out, and the Fort Snelling Cemetery is definitely one of them. It's a truly significant spot, sitting right where the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers come together. This isn't just any burial ground; it's a sacred place where military families can go to remember and honor the people they care about who served our country with such bravery. It feels like a quiet, reflective space, a bit like a big, open book of stories, each one a life given to something bigger.

This special place, you see, is the only national cemetery here in Minnesota, and it has a long, interesting past. It was set up back in 1939, making it one of just a handful of national cemeteries that came into being during that particular time, between 1934 and 1939. You might be surprised to learn that over a quarter of a million veterans and their spouses have found their final resting place here. It’s managed by the National Cemetery Administration, which is part of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and they work to make sure every veteran and their eligible family members receive a respectful burial and a lasting memorial. It’s pretty amazing, actually, how much care goes into maintaining these grounds as places of national remembrance.

So, if you’ve ever wondered about this important spot, or maybe you have a personal connection to someone laid to rest there, this article is here to help. We'll talk about how you can find out about visiting, what services are offered, and how to locate a specific burial site. It’s all about making sure you have the information you need to connect with this very meaningful part of our shared history. It's really about making sure everyone feels welcome and supported when they come to pay their respects, or just to learn more about the folks who served.

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Table of Contents

• What Makes Fort Snelling Cemetery Special?
  • The Story Behind Fort Snelling Cemetery's Beginnings
• How Can You Find a Loved One at Fort Snelling Cemetery?
  • Getting Around Fort Snelling Cemetery - Practical Details
• What Support is Available for Families at Fort Snelling Cemetery?
  • Honoring Those Who Served at Fort Snelling Cemetery
• Is Fort Snelling Cemetery Just for Burials?
  • The Living History of Fort Snelling Cemetery

What Makes Fort Snelling Cemetery Special?

This particular cemetery, you see, holds a really distinct place in our country’s history. It’s not just a plot of land; it’s a living tribute. What makes it stand out, perhaps more than anything else, is its unique origin story. It was the very first national cemetery that came about because of a true grassroots effort, meaning everyday people in the community really pushed for it to happen. After the first World War, some big changes were made to the rules, letting more veterans be buried in national cemeteries. This led local citizens, here in the Twin Cities area, to speak up and advocate for a national cemetery right here in their own backyard. It's pretty cool, actually, to think about how a community’s desire to honor its service members brought such a significant place into being. This place, Fort Snelling Cemetery, truly reflects a community's heart.

The Story Behind Fort Snelling Cemetery's Beginnings

The original Fort Snelling itself has roots going way back, to 1805, when it was first set up near where the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers meet. But the actual fort structure didn't really start taking shape until 1820. So, while the military presence in the area has a long history, the cemetery as we know it today, the Fort Snelling Cemetery, came much later, in 1939. It's quite a large area, covering about 436.3 acres, which is a good bit of land, and as of recent counts, like in June 2024, it holds the resting places of over 260,000 people. It’s administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and they make sure it stays a place of honor. Hennepin County genealogical volunteers have even put together cemetery records for the Fort Snelling Cemetery, which is a wonderful resource for families and researchers. It’s a very meaningful place, steeped in the stories of those who served, and it's interesting to consider how much history is contained within its boundaries.

How Can You Find a Loved One at Fort Snelling Cemetery?

Finding a specific gravesite can feel a bit overwhelming, especially in a place as large and significant as the Fort Snelling Cemetery. But there are tools and people ready to help you. The main way to find a burial or memorial here is by using the Fort Snelling National Cemetery Gravesite Locator. This system is pretty helpful; you just put in some information, and it will give you all the details about the gravesite you're looking for, including the name of the person buried there and the exact spot within the cemetery. It’s designed to make what could be a difficult search a little bit easier. So, if you're planning a visit, this locator is definitely your first stop. It's almost like having a personal guide to a very large and important place.

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Getting Around Fort Snelling Cemetery - Practical Details

When you're planning to visit the Fort Snelling Cemetery, it's good to know some practical things. You can find information about its location, the hours it's open, and directions, even from the nearest airport. This helps make sure your trip is as smooth as possible. The cemetery offers various services, and it’s important to know about things like their floral policy if you plan to leave flowers. You can also learn about the Veterans Legacy Memorial, which is a way to remember those who served. The Memorial Rifle Squad provides honor guard services, ensuring that military veterans receive the respectful send-off they deserve. They've been doing this since 1979, which is quite a long time, showing a real commitment to honoring those who served. It's really quite comforting to know these details are readily available for anyone coming to the Fort Snelling Cemetery.

What Support is Available for Families at Fort Snelling Cemetery?

For veterans, service members, and their families, the support available through the Department of Veterans Affairs is quite extensive, and this extends to the Fort Snelling Cemetery. The cemetery itself is managed by the National Cemetery Administration, which is part of the VA. They work to provide a dignified burial and a lasting memorial for veterans and their eligible family members. Beyond the burial services, the VA helps people apply for and manage a whole range of benefits they've earned. This includes things like health care, disability support, and education assistance, among other things. It’s all part of making sure that those who served, and their families, get the help and recognition they deserve. You know, it's a pretty comprehensive system designed to look after people.

Honoring Those Who Served at Fort Snelling Cemetery

The Fort Snelling Cemetery is a place where honor is deeply felt. Just recently, for example, there was a ceremony held there to remember service members from all over Minnesota. Both Governor Tim Walz and Senator Amy Klobuchar were there, showing just how important these gatherings are. On Memorial Day, hundreds of people came to the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis to lay wreaths on the graves of those who had passed while serving. These events are not just formalities; they are deeply moving moments where the community comes together to express its gratitude and respect. The care taken with Fort Snelling Cemetery flowers also shows this respect, ensuring that memories are honored with beauty and grace. It's a powerful thing, to see so many come together to remember.

Is Fort Snelling Cemetery Just for Burials?

While the primary role of Fort Snelling Cemetery is certainly as a resting place, it's also much more than just that. It serves as a significant historical site and a place for education and remembrance. You can explore the resources and stories of the soldiers, veterans, and even the native peoples who are buried there. The cemetery’s connection to the broader Fort Snelling area, which is considered a Dakota homeland and a site of historic importance, adds another layer to its meaning. You can even watch a short film called "Where the Waters Meet," which gives you an introduction to the history of this area. It's quite interesting to learn about the different layers of history that exist here, not just the military aspect. So, no, it's not just for burials; it's a place for learning and connecting with the past.

The Living History of Fort Snelling Cemetery

The Fort Snelling Cemetery, covering its 436.3 acres, is not a static place; it's a living part of our history. With over 256,000 interments as of August 2023, it represents a vast collection of individual stories and shared sacrifices. This place is seen as a national shrine, maintained with care by the VA National Cemetery Administration. They are dedicated to providing a lasting memorial for those who served. You can find out about the history and meaning of this military cemetery, and there are even photos available to give you a sense of the place before you visit. It's a place that continues to grow and evolve, as more service members and their eligible family members find their final resting place there. It's really quite a profound experience to walk through the grounds and reflect on the many lives represented. It truly is a testament to the ongoing respect for those who have served.

This article has covered quite a bit about the Fort Snelling Cemetery, from its unique beginnings as a community-driven project to its current role as a significant national cemetery. We've talked about how you can find information about visiting, locate a specific burial site using the gravesite locator, and understand the various services and benefits available to veterans and their families. We also looked at how the cemetery serves as a place for ongoing remembrance and education, connecting visitors to a rich tapestry of history, including the stories of soldiers, veterans, and native peoples. The ceremonies held there, like those on Memorial Day, show the deep respect the community holds for those laid to rest. It's a place that honors the past while continuing to serve the present and future needs of our service members and their loved ones.