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As autumn arrives in Annapolis with its crisp air and rustling leaves, there’s no better time to explore one of the town’s most historic—and hauntingly beautiful—sites: the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery. Perched on a hill overlooking the Severn River and its estuary College Creek, this cemetery is not just the final resting place for many of the Naval Academy’s most distinguished graduates, but also a place where history and mystery intertwine. It’s one of just a few actively maintained cemeteries on college campuses, and it’s a meaningful part of the Academy’s history.
USNA Tours to the Past
Join us on a tour through this hallowed ground, where tales of valor mix with whispers of the past. The Cemetery (not including the land on which the Columbarium is located) is approximately 6.7 acres. Let’s begin.
Related: Cemetery Tour with Curator and Historian at the Naval Academy Museum, Mr. Jim Cheevers
A Stroll Through History
Founded in 1868, the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 6,000 people, including naval heroes, Medal of Honor recipients, and other prominent figures. As you walk through the winding paths, you’ll find graves dating back to 1872, each with its own story to tell. The cemetery is a testament to the rich history of the Academy, with monuments and headstones marking the lives of those who served their country with distinction.
The Legend of John Paul Jones
One of the most famous names associated with the Naval Academy is John Paul Jones, the first U.S. naval hero. Though his remains are not buried in the cemetery itself—he rests in the crypt of the Naval Academy Chapel—his presence looms large over the campus. Legend has it that on certain nights, especially around Halloween, the ghost of John Paul Jones can be seen wandering the cemetery, perhaps searching for lost sailors or keeping watch over his fellow naval officers. Jones’ legacy as a daring and unconventional naval commander lends an air of mystique to the cemetery.
Other Notable Naval Figures
Another hero associated with the cemetery is Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, known as the “Father of the Nuclear Navy.” Rickover’s influence on naval operations was profound, and his legacy lives on through the fleet of nuclear-powered ships that he helped to create. Vice Admiral James Stockdale, Class of 1947, famous former Vietnam POW and Medal of Honor recipient, was also buried with full honors here in 2005.
A tall headstone with a large cross also marks the final resting place of one of Navy’s most beloved bandmasters, Charles Zimmerman, who composed “Anchors Aweigh.” One of the most striking monuments is a large memorial with an icicle-covered marble cross resting on a cairn. It pays tribute to the group that perished in the grueling USS Jeannette Arctic Exploring Expedition of 1879-91, led by Lieutenant Commander George Washington DeLong, Class of 1865.
Five-Star Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King (for whom King Hall is named) is the highest ranking officer buried here. There are also five Chiefs of Naval Operations buried here: Standley, King, Burke, McDonald, and Zumwalt. Marine Corps Commandant Fuller is also buried here, and eleven superintendents and twelve Medal of Honor recipients find their final rest here as well.
Related: Who Is Buried at the Naval Academy?
The Haunting Beauty of the Cemetery
Beyond the legends, the Naval Academy Cemetery is a place of haunting beauty. The site’s location provides stunning views, especially at sunset. The tranquility of the surroundings can be thought-provoking, as the silence seems to amplify the whispers of history.
Monuments like the gravestone dedicated to the memory of Americans who died in the Battle of Veracruz, Mexico, in 1847 (one of the oldest monuments, and one of the few written in a foreign language), and the simple, poignant graves of midshipmen who passed away before they could serve, offer a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by those who rest here. The sense of duty and honor that permeates the cemetery is palpable, creating an atmosphere both reverent and eerie.
Related: USNA Cemetery Map
A Visit You Won’t Forget
Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of ghost stories, or simply looking for a unique way to experience the Naval Academy, a visit to the cemetery is sure to leave an impression. Typically, the cemetery is open from 9:00 a.m. until sunset. Guests should enter from the Visitor Access Center with their government-issued Real ID, and the cemetery is approximately a one mile walk. Alternatively, the USNA GEM tour can take you there by electric vehicle.
Take a tour of the cemetery this season. The combination of history, beauty, and the unknown makes it a place unlike any other, and your visit gives back to the midshipmen who give their all to serve our country. Proceeds from USNA tours, dining, and shopping help to fund extracurricular activities like cultural arts, music, theater, club sports and more that generate teamwork and camaraderie among the Brigade.
