Palm trees sway above the hilly terrain of this federal military cemetery located on a former Army coastal artillery station. Rows of precisely spaced white, marble headstones mark the graves of Veterans and their family members. A columbarium wall more than a half mile long is the final resting place for soldiers and their families’ urns and remains. This 77-acre cemetery lawn is meticulously manicured and includes more than 500 mature eucalyptus, elm, pine and juniper trees.

Established in 1882, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery became a National Cemetery in 1934. Located 10 miles west of downtown San Diego, visitors can see the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay and the city into the distance. There are numerous memorials across this cemetery for deceased Veterans, with the oldest monument dating back to the 1846 Mexican-American War.

In 1905, a 75-foot granite pillar was created to honor those who died on a ship in the nearby harbor. Many other monuments were added throughout the decades to honor those who served or made the ultimate sacrifice. More than 20 Medal of Honor Recipients have been laid to rest here as well as scores of other notable Veterans.

In 2016, this cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city continues to have the annual Memorial Day celebration - the largest Memorial weekend festivity in San Diego.