Heroes in History
Fort Rosecrans is located on the site of the Battle of San Pasqual in the Mexican–American War of 1846, in which 19 of Brigadier General Stephen W. Kearny’s men lost their lives.
Landscape Laws
While fresh flowers may be placed at gravesites, potted plants are only permitted during the five days before to five days after Easter and Christmas Day.
Landmark Territory
Located on more than 77 acres of land, it was named a California Historical Landmark in 1932.
Team Effort
There are a total of 21 employees between Fort Rosecrans and Miramar national cemeteries. Volunteers clean the gravestones throughout the year and assist with the annual Memorial Day and Wreaths Across America ceremonies.
Family Matters
The burial benefit at Fort Rosecrans is extended to eligible veterans and their spouses and children. All share one gravesite or may have two adjoining sites.
By the Numbers
As of August 2014, there are 112,408 interments in a total of 86,769 gravesites.
Men of Honor
Many notable servicemembers are interred at Fort Rosecrans, including Major Reuben H. Fleet, World War I aviator, whose name adorns the Balboa Park science museum; and Major General Joseph H. Pendleton, for whom Camp Pendleton is named.
Closed for Now
The cemetery is currently closed to new interments, except for the burials of eligible veterans and their family members in existing gravesites.
A Naval Movement
Initially named Bennington National Cemetery, the site was renamed Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in 1934. A monument within the cemetery marks the deaths of 62 sailors in a boiler explosion aboard the USS Bennington in 1905.
Inside the Icon: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
Photography by Ruthanne Annaloro
