Histopolis Place-of-the-Day

The Histopolis Place-of-the-Day for Wednesday, February 9, 2011 is Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi, Supervisor District 5, Harrison County, Mississippi.

"Biloxi National Cemetery is located in Harrison County, about five miles west of the center of Biloxi on the grounds of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) and adjacent to the Keesler Field Air Force Base in Mississippi.

"The cemetery was established in March 1934 as part of the VA Medical Center. Biloxi Cemetery’s first burial was held on March 24,1934, with the interment of Private Edgar A. Ross, 1st Regiment of the Tennessee Infantry.

"From 1934 to 1973 the purpose of Biloxi Cemetery was to provide a final resting place solely for veterans who died in the adjoining medical center. The allocation of cemetery space in Biloxi remained restricted until the passage of the 1973 National Cemetery Act, which opened the cemetery to all honorably discharged veterans and their dependents, active duty personnel and their dependents regardless of home of residence or where death occurred. The first interment after the facility was designated Biloxi National Cemetery was Chief Master Sergeant Robert E. Callender, U.S. Air Force.

"Since its establishment in 1934, Biloxi’s has increased in size twice as the result of land transfers from the VAMC. In 1982, 17 acres were added to the original 25 and, in 1996, 12 more were added for a total of 54 acres."

Source: Cemeteries - Biloxi National Cemetery - Burial and Memorial Benefits

The Histopolis Grave Index for Biloxi National Cemetery contains 19,849 entries with 7,302 unique surnames.

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