A Historical Look at Barrancas National Cemetery

Photo By Jason Bortz | Barrancas National Cemetery on Naval Air Station Pensacola was established in January 1868 and is one of five national cemeteries in Florida. Section B of the committal shelter contains the remains of those who served, from all branches, in World War Two, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War and the Persian War.  

UNITED STATES

09.29.2022

Courtesy Story

Naval Air Station Pensacola

Story by 2ndLt Ana C. Chiu

NAS Pensacola, Florida -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola is home to many historical sites to include Fort Pickens, Fort Barrancas, Pensacola Lighthouse and many more. Included in the long list of historic areas located on base is Barrancas National Cemetery.

The site was established officially as a Barrancas National Cemetery in January 1868 and is one of five national cemeteries in Florida. What started out as a respectably small area has grown to encompass almost 12,000 acres.

The site has grown and changed over the years. In 1944, 1950, 1986, and 1990 acreage allotted for the site was increased by NAS Pensacola to
expand the cemetery. Most of the site is organized into crisp even rows, however, a section remains of the original area from the early 1800s that predates the establishment of the National Cemetery.

The first known burial is thought to be San Clarkson, buried May 15, 1829. As a result of its age, Barrancas National Cemetery served as the burial place of those who have served in the military dating back to the Civil War. This place is not only home to Veterans, but to their spouses and children.

In the mid 1800s this area experienced outbreaks of yellow fever and malaria causing death to soldiers, women, children and infants; some of which are buried in Barrancas National Cemetery. A monument was created in 1884 by the Marine Guard of the Pensacola Navy Yard to honor and remember those who died of yellow fever.

As of 2022, Barrancas Cemetery, is the resting place for over
40,000 individuals. It is the burial place for countless notable names to include the second wife of Apache Chief Geronim, Ga-ah. It is the burial place for Medal of Honor recipients such as Army Staff Sgt. Clifford C. Sims, Marine Maj. Steven W. Pless and Navy Lt. Clyde E.
Lassen. British aviators, 2nd Seminole War casualties, and aviators who died overseas are also buried here.

Some significant areas of interest in this cemetery are memorial selections MA, MB and MC, which contain the Memorial Markers for those whose remains were not recoverable for one reason or another.
Barrancas National Cemetery is an active burial site that is available for all service members and their families who have met the minimum active duty requirement and were discharged with any condition excluding dishonorable.

While base access is limited to Department of Defense ID holders, those who have family members buried in Barrancas National Cemetery may visit them after receiving a pass from the Visitors Control Center, which is located at the Main Gate. For additional access information, visit the NAS Pensacola website

• Date Taken: 09.29.2022
• Date Posted: 09.29.2022 15:54
• Story ID: 430414
• Location: US