Fort Snelling National Cemetery is a historic cemetery located in the heart of Minneapolis and is home to over 150,000 graves. It is one of the two national cemeteries in the state and is the older. This article will provide a guide on finding your way through the national cemetery and paying tribute to your loved ones.
Historical Information
The Fort Snelling national cemetery was built in 1870 to allow the troops who died there while on duty to be buried. Following World War I, as new laws broadened the conditions for burial in a national cemetery, citizens of St. Paul gathered signatures to request that a national cemetery be established in their town.
In 1937, the government responded with a bill that permitted a portion of Fort Snelling Military Reservation for this purpose. Capt. George H. Mallon, a hero of the Meuse-Argonne offensive in France in World War I, was the first person interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, which opened in 1939 with his burial on July 5.
Following the establishment of the new cemetery, burial sites for those interred at the old post cemetery were exhumed, and the 680 soldiers who served between 1820 and 1939 were reinterred in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
The 1930s was a period of significant national cemetery growth. Fort Snelling National Cemetery is one of seven NCA properties constructed between World War I and World War II to accommodate large veteran populations in major cities across the United States.
The cemetery also has a memorial path lined with various veteran memorials from several organizations. As of December 31, 2015, there are 75 memorials at Fort Snelling National Cemetery - the majority of which commemorate soldiers from the 20th century's wars.
Visiting The Historic Fort Snelling National Cemetery?
If you're visiting the cemetery, we recommend that you consult the cemetery office. This building houses knowledgeable employees who can help you with all your needs.
The office is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 am until 4:25 pm. You can also visit their website to learn more about the cemetery and its history.
You can also use the national gravesite locator to find your loved one's gravestone quickly.
Guidelines For Visiting The Cemetery
When it comes to honoring your loved ones at Fort Snelling, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. First and foremost, be respectful of other visitors and their experience. Many people visit the cemetery to remember those who have passed away and it is important to be mindful of that.
Additionally, please refrain from bringing any food or beverages into the cemetery. This also includes smoking and using electronic cigarettes. Pets are also not allowed in the cemetery, with the exception of service animals.
Visiting Hours
When you are visiting the cemetery, take some time to walk around and appreciate the history that is all around you. Below, you will find information regarding visitation hours at Fort Snelling:
Office Hours: Monday thru Friday 8:00 am to 4:25 pm.
Closed federal holidays except for Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
Visitation Hours: April - October (During Daylight Savings Time)
Open Monday thru Friday - 7:30 am to 8:00 pm.
Open Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays - 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
October - April
Open Monday thru Friday - 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Open Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Honoring Your Loved Ones At Fort Snelling National Cemetery
Flowers are a great way to honor your loved ones at Fort Snelling. Why? Because they provide comfort and peace during visits while also beautifying the environment!
Asides from flowers, you may even want to consider donating money towards maintaining and improving this historic site so others can enjoy its beauty too – there’s no better way than making sure everyone has access when they need it most!
How To Order Flowers From Us
If you want to honor your loved one with flowers, be sure to get in touch with Fort Snelling Cemetery Flowers.
We are a family-owned and operated small business that has been delivering floral bouquets and wreaths for over ten years now. So we know exactly what it takes to make your loved ones feel remembered and appreciated.
You can either visit our website or give us a call today at (952) 303-9286 – we would be more than happy to help!
Conclusion
Fort Snelling National Cemetery is a beautiful historic site that holds great significance for veterans and their families. If you are looking for ways to honor your loved ones, then getting them flowers or making a thoughtful donation might just be the perfect way!