Dayton National Cemetery: 15 things to see

The Dayton National Cemetery opened in 1867 as a burial site on the grounds of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers on Dayton’s west side.

It now contains more than 51,000 graves and multiple monuments that make it both a beautiful and somber location to honor former soldiers.

Thousands of resting places

More than 51,000 people have been interred at the Dayton National Cemetery, which was established in 1867. "All of our employees are veterans. We maintain the property and we're very proud of this property," said Daniel Barford, Administrative Support Assistant.

Medal of Honor recipients

Pvt. Charles Taggart is one of five Medal of Honor recipients interred at the Dayton National Cemetery. Taggart fought in the Civil War.

Cannon memorial

A cannon near the Dayton National Cemetery overlooks sections I and S.

Main monument

The Dayton Soldiers' Monument sits atop a hill at the center of the Dayton National Cemetery landscape. The cornerstone was laid in 1873, and it was completed in 1877. The structure is composed of a 30-foot marble column on a granite base with an ornamental cap and soldier posed at parade rest.

Famous words

President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address is on display as a monument at the Dayton National Cemetery.

Overlooking the graves

The Dayton Soldiers' Monument sits atop a hill at the center of the Dayton National Cemetery landscape. At the corners of the base stand four figures representing the Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery and Navy.

Quiet pathway

The now-covered tunnel exit from the Home Hospital to the Dayton National Cemetery. Deceased residents of the Soldiers Home dressed in the basement of the Home Hospital and were taken to the National Cemetery through the tunnel so residents of the Soldiers Home would not be disturbed.

Famous father

The gravesite of U.S. Army Pvt. Joshua Dunbar, father of nationally acclaimed poet and Dayton native Paul Lawrence Dunbar, sits in the Dayton National Cemetery.

Revolutionary War included

Revolutionary War soldier Christian Null is the only veteran from that era interred in the Dayton National Cemetery.

Civilian area

A small civilian section of the Dayton National Cemetery is located next to the Monument area. This area contains the graves of former governors of the National Home and others associated with the management of the early Soldiers Home and Hospital.

Flags flying

The gravesite of Army Sgt. Edward Brooks, who was killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom and is interred at the Dayton National Cemetery.

Each has a story

The gravesite of Army PFC James White, Jr. who was killed in action. White served in Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom. White is interred at the Dayton National Cemetery.

Many memorials

The gravesite of Army Sgt. Donald Mickler, Jr. who was killed in action. Mickler served in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf and is interred at the Dayton National Cemetery.