National Cemetery Administration
Mount Moriah Cemetery Naval Plot
Visitation Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Office Hours: Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed federal holidays except Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
This government lot is closed to interments.
Burial in a national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
A Veteran's spouse, widow or widower, minor dependent children, and under certain conditions, unmarried adult children with disabilities may also be eligible for burial. Eligible spouses and children may be buried even if they predecease the Veteran.
Members of the reserve components of the armed forces who die while on active duty or who die while on training duty, or were eligible for retired pay, may also be eligible for burial.
From Philadelphia International Airport take 95 North to Island Avenue West, changes to Cobbs Creek Parkway. Rear entrance of cemetery off Cobbs Creek Parkway. Follow cemetery road to top of hill to Naval Plot.
Fax all discharge documentation to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-866-900-6417 and follow-up with a phone call to 1-800-535-1117.
For information on scheduled burials in our national cemeteries, please go to the Daily Burial Schedule.
The private and community cemeteries that contain NCA Naval Plots' and government lots, and Confederate cemeteries, do not always have staffed offices on site. When administrative information for the larger cemetery is available, it is provided below.
This Naval Plot is overseen by the Washington Crossing National Cemetery.
Please contact the national cemetery for more information.
For educational materials and additional information on this cemetery, please visit the Education section, located below.
Our cemetery floral and grounds policies exist only to reflect the honor and respect we hold for our Nation's Veterans, by preserving the dignity and solemnity of their final resting place.
We welcome and encourage fresh-cut flowers throughout the year. Temporary floral containers are located throughout the cemetery for public use. Floral arrangements will be removed when they become withered, faded, or unsightly. During the mowing season, floral arrangements shall be removed weekly to facilitate mowing operations. Floral arrangements shall not stand taller than the headstone.
Artificial flowers will be permitted from November 1 – April 1.
Permanent plantings, statues, vigil lights, breakable objects, and similar items are not permitted at the graves. This includes, but is not limited to hazardous materials, glass, metal, toys, candles, balloons, wind chimes, and pinwheels. Flags are not permitted at the graves.
No permanent floral vases are permitted.
Potted plants will be permitted on graves one week before and one week after Easter Sunday and Memorial Day.
Holiday wreaths and grave blankets are permitted on graves from December 1 through January 10 and will be removed after January 20 of each year. Grave blankets shall be no larger than 2 x 3 feet.
The Department of Veterans Affairs does not permit adornments which might be considered offensive, inconsistent with the dignity of the cemetery, or considered hazardous to cemetery personnel. For example, items incorporating beads or wires which may become entangled in mowers or other equipment and cause injury. Unauthorized items will be removed immediately. Floral arrangements and other decorations may not be secured to the headstone.
VA regulations 38 CFR 1.218 prohibit the carrying of firearms (either openly or concealed), explosives or other dangerous or deadly weapons while on VA property, except for official purposes, such as military funeral honors.
Possession of firearms on any property under the charge and control of VA is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to a fine, removal from the premises, or arrest.
Mount Moriah Cemetery was established by the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1855, one of several rural cemeteries developed in Philadelphia between 1845 and 1860. Located on the southwestern edge of the city, the private cemetery originally consisted of 54 acres. Over time it has grown to 380 acres spanning both sides of Cobbs Creek. Due to the massive size of the cemetery, many churches and other organizations have established smaller lots within its bounds. A majestic gatehouse provides entrance into to the cemetery. Designed by local architect Stephen D. Button in 1855, the Romanesque gatehouse is fabricated from brownstone.
Notable headstones in the cemetery include a granite marker constructed in the shape of the Civil War iron-clad ship, the USS Monitor. The headstone memorializes William Rowland, a sailor on the USS Minnesota, which was protected by the Monitor from the CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack) at the Battle of Hampton Roads.
For a time Mount Moriah Cemetery held the remains of Betsy Ross, reputed maker of the American flag. However, leading up to the local celebration of the 1976 Bicentennial, her remains were moved to Arch Street near the Betsy Ross house.
In the early 1870's, an African-American named Henry Jones purchased a lot in the cemetery. After his death, cemetery authorities turned away his funeral procession at the gate, on the basis of his race. A lawsuit was filed against the Mount Moriah Cemetery association on his behalf, and in 1876 the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Jones' right to burial in the cemetery.
Mount Moriah Naval Plot is associated with the U.S. Naval Asylum. The Naval Hospitals Act of 1811, passed through Congress with the help of Secretary of the Navy Paul Hamilton, established the U.S. Naval Asylum in Philadelphia. Architect William Strickland designed the main building, which was completed in 1833. Originally used as a naval hospital, in 1838 midshipmen began taking classes at the asylum.
With the 1845 opening of the Naval Academy in Annapolis, the asylum ceased serving as a school. In 1864 the federal government purchased a 10-acre site in Mount Moriah Cemetery for the re-interment of remains within the plot on the grounds of the Naval Asylum. More than 2,400 navy officers and sailors have been buried in Mount Moriah Naval Plot since the first interment on March 26, 1865. This lot is bordered by a low fence of chain-and-bollards, and contains many very old, non-standard headstones, as well as a naval anchor on a concrete base.
The National Cemetery Administration has jurisdiction over this section of the cemetery as well as the Soldiers' Lot.
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. Recipients receive the Medal of Honor from the President on behalf of Congress. It was first awarded during the Civil War and the eligibility criteria, medal design, and recognition on a recipients' grave marker have all evolved over time. There are 390 Medal of Honor recipients interred in VA national cemeteries.
» Medal of Honor recipients buried or memorialized here:
Quarter Gunner Charles Baker (Civil War). Baker was born in Georgetown, District of Columbia in 1809. He earned the Medal of Honor on board the USS Metacomet (Side-wheel Steamer Gunboat) during the Civil War. His citation reads: "Served on board the USS Metacomet. As a member of the boat's crew which went to the rescue of the USS Tecumseh when the vessel was struck by a torpedo in passing the enemy forts in Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864, Q.G. Baker braved the enemy fire which was said by the admiral to be "one of the most galling" he has ever seen, and aided in rescuing from death 10 of the crew of the Tecumseh, eliciting the admiration of both friend and foe." He died on August 3, 1891, and is buried in Section 2, Row 22, Site 22.
Coxswain Albert Beyer (Spanish-American War). Beyer was born in Hanover, Germany on June 13, 1859. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for valor while assigned to the USS Nashville (Gunboat No. 7) during the Spanish-American War. His citation reads: "On board the USS Nashville during the cutting of the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, May 11, 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Beyer set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action." He died on October 29, 1929, and is buried in Section 1, Row 9, Site 19.
Captain of the Forecastle James Healey (Civil War). James Healey (also Haley) was born in Ireland in 1824. He earned his Medal of Honor while assigned to the USS Kearsarge (Sloop-of-War) in foreign waters during the Civil War. His citation reads: "Served as captain of the forecastle on board the USS Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as captain of a gun during the bitter engagement, Haley exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly commended by his division officer for his gallantry and meritorious achievement under enemy fire." He died on November 27, 1880, and is buried in Section 2, Row 17, Site 22.
Coxswain Robert Jourdan (Civil War). Jourdan (also Jordan) was born in New York in 1826. He received a Medal of Honor for bravery in action during the Civil War while temporarily assigned to the USS Mount Washington (Side-wheel Gunboat). His citation reads: "Attached to the USS Minnesota (Frigate) and temporarily serving on the USS Mount Washington during action against the enemy in the Nansemond River, April 14, 1863. When the Mount Washington drifted against the bank following several successive hits which struck her boilers and stopped her engines, Jordan boarded the stricken vessel and, for six hours as fierce artillery and musketry continued to rake her decks, calmly assisted in manning a 12-pound howitzer which had been mounted on the open hurricane deck." He died on December 20, 1881, and is buried in Section 2, Row 18, Site 4.
Landsman Joseph Killackey (Boxer Rebellion). Born in Ireland on January 21, 1879, he received his Medal of Honor while assigned to the USS Newark (C-1) during the Boxer Rebellion. His citation reads "In action with the relief expedition of the Allied forces in China, June 13, 20, 21, and 22, 1900. During this period and in the presence of the enemy, Killackey distinguished himself by meritorious conduct. He died on September 8, 1946, and is buried in Section 4, Row 3, Site 23.
Fireman John Laverty (Civil War & Peacetime). Laverty (also Lafferty) was born in Ireland on June 17, 1845. He received the Medal of Honor twice while serving in the U.S. Navy: first on board the USS Wyalusing (Side-wheel Gunboat) for participation in an attempt to destroy the Confederate ram Albemarle in the Roanoke River, May 26, 1864, and second for actions on board the USS Alaska (Screw Sloop of War) following a rupture of the vessel's stop-valve chamber while in Callao Bay, Peru, September 14, 1881. Laverty's service during the Civil War, and first Medal of Honor commendation, was under the name Lafferty. He died on November 13, 1903, and is buried in Section 3, Row 3, Site 17.
Quartermaster Nicholas Lear (Civil War). Lear was born in Rhode Island in 1826. His Medal of Honor was earned on the USS New Ironsides (Ironclad Steamer) at Fort Fisher, NC, in 1865. His citation reads: "Lear served on board the USS New Ironsides during action in several attacks on Fort Fisher, December 24 and 25, 1864; and January 13, 14 and 15, 1865. The ship steamed in and took the lead in the ironclad division close inshore and immediately opened its starboard battery in a barrage of well-directed fire to cause several fires and explosions and dismount several guns during the first two days of fighting. Taken under fire as she steamed into position on January 13, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition at night, despite severe weather conditions. When the enemy came out of their bombproofs to defend the fort against the storming party, the ship's battery disabled nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the cease-fire order was given by the flagship." He died on Independence Day, 1902, and is buried in Section 3, Row 3, Site 3.
Seaman Thomas G. Lyons (Civil War). Lyons was born in Salem, MA in 1838. He earned his Medal of Honor while assigned to the USS Pensacola (Screw Steamer) in 1862 as part of Admiral Farragut's West Gulf Squadron. His citation reads: "Served as seaman on board the USS Pensacola in the attack on Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 24, 1862. Carrying out his duties throughout the din and roar of the battle, Lyons never once erred in his brave performance. Lashed outside of that vessel, on the port-sheet chain, with the lead in hand to lead the ship past the forts, Lyons never flinched, although under a heavy fire from the forts and rebel gunboats." He died on August 29, 1904, and is buried in Section 3, Row 4, Site 3.
Sergeant James Martin (Civil War). Marine James Martin was born in Ireland in 1826. His Medal of Honor was earned while assigned to the USS Richmond (Steam Sloop) during the Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay. His citation reads: "As captain of a gun on board the USS Richmond during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864. Despite damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Sgt. Martin fought his gun with skill and courage throughout a furious two-hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan." He died on October 29, 1895, and is buried in Section 2, Row 24, Site 19. His shipmates Alexander Truett and John Smith earned the Medal of Honor in the same action and are buried nearby.
Private Michael Owens (Korean Campaign 1871). Marine Michael Owens was born in New York City on February 6, 1837. He earned his Medal of Honor during the 1871 Korean Campaign while assigned to the USS Colorado (Screw Frigate). His citation reads: "On board the USS Colorado during the capture of Korean forts, June 11, 1871. Fighting courageously in hand-to-hand combat, Owens was badly wounded by the enemy during this action." He died on December 7, 1890, and is buried in Section 2, Row 22, Site 14.
Captain of the Forecastle Henry Shutes (Civil War). Shutes was born in Baltimore, MD in 1804. He received a Medal of Honor for actions on board the USS Wissahickon (Screw Gunboat) as part of Admiral Farragut's West Gulf Squadron during the Civil War. His citation reads: "Served as captain of the forecastle on board the USS Wissahickon during the battle of New Orleans, April 24 and 25, 1862; and in the engagement at Fort McAllister, February 27, 1863. Going on board the USS Wissahickon from the USS Don (Screw Steamer), where his seamanlike qualities as gunner's mate were outstanding, Shutes performed his duties with skill and courage. Showing a presence of mind and prompt action when a shot from Fort McAllister penetrated the Wissahickon below the water line and entered the powder magazine, Shutes contributed materially to the preservation of the powder and safety of the ship." He died on September 10, 1889, and is buried in Section 2, Row 22, Site 1.
Second Captain of the Top John Smith (Civil War). John Smith was born in Albany, New York in 1826. He earned his Medal of Honor while assigned to the USS Richmond (Steam Sloop) in Mobile Bay, AL, on August 5, 1864. He citation reads: "As captain of a gun on board the USS Richmond during action against rebel forts and gunboats and against the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864. Despite damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Smith fought his gun with skill and courage throughout a furious two-hour battle, which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan." He died on December 31, 1907, and is buried in Section 3, Row 5, Site 12. His shipmates Alexander Truett and James Martin earned the Medal of Honor in the same action and are buried nearby.
Quartermaster Third Class August P. Teytand (Peacetime). Teytand (also Teytard) was born in the West Indies on April 6, 1878. He received the Medal of Honor for heroism when his ship the USS Leyden (Screw Steamer) wrecked in heavy fog off Block Island, Rhode Island. His citation reads: For heroism while serving on board the USS Leyden at the time of the wreck of that vessel, January 21, 1903." He died on March 4, 1956, and is buried in Section 5, Row 4, Site 5.
Signal Quartermaster William Thompson (Civil War). Thompson was born Cape May, NJ in 1812. He earned a Medal of Honor while serving on the USS Mohican (Screw Sloop) during the first year of the Civil War. His citation reads: "During action of the main squadron of ships against heavily defended Forts Beauregard and Walker on Hilton Head, November 7, 1861. Serving as a signal quartermaster on board the USS Mohican, Thompson steadfastly steered the ship with a steady and bold heart under the batteries; was wounded by a piece of shell but remained at his station until he fell from loss of blood. Leg since amputated." He died on September 12, 1872, and is buried in Section 2, Row 14, Site 12.
Coxswain Alexander H. Truett (Civil War). Truett was born in Baltimore, MD on July 4, 1833. He earned his Medal of Honor while assigned to the USS Richmond (Steam Sloop) in Mobile Bay, AL, on August 5, 1864. His citation reads: "On board the USS Richmond during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864. Despite damage to his ship the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Truett performed his duties with skill and courage throughout a furious two-hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan." He died on December 5, 1898, and is buried in Section 3, Row 1, Grave 30. His shipmates James Martin and John Smith earned the Medal of Honor in the same action and are buried nearby.
Captain of the Maintop John Williams (Civil War). Williams was born in Blair County, Pennsylvania in 1828. He earned the Medal of Honor while assigned to the USS Pawnee (Screw Sloop) in one of the Navy's first engagements of the Civil War. His citation reads: "Served as captain of the maintop of the USS Pawnee in the attack upon Mathias Point, June 26, 1861, Williams told his men, while lying off in the boat, that every man must die on his thwart sooner than leave a man behind. Although wounded by a musket ball in the thigh he retained the charge of his boat; and when the staff was shot away, held the stump in his hand, with the flag, until alongside the Freeborn." He remained in the Navy until 1878 and received a pension for his wound at Mathias Point. He died in the Naval Asylum Hospital on October 3, 1885, and is buried in Section 1, Row 4, Site 14.
Other Burials
Jesse Duncan Elliott, a naval officer during the War of 1812, is buried in Mount Moriah Naval Plot. During the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813, Elliott served as the second in command to Captain Oliver Perry. When the British severely damaged the flagship of the Lake Erie fleet, the USS Lawrence, Elliott helped Perry transfer command to the USS Niagara. Elliott subsequently took command of the remaining ships in the fleet, and helped lead the Americans to victory in the battle. After the war, Elliott remained in the Navy until his death on December 10, 1845, at the Philadelphia Naval Yard.
Commodore Peter Turner is also interred in the naval plot. Turner served as the commander of the U.S. Naval Asylum in Philadelphia from 1863 to 1868, was commissioned as a Commodore in 1867, and died in 1871.
We are developing educational content for this national cemetery, and will post new materials as they become available. Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
