In 1866-67, immediately after the Civil War, the United States Congress enacted legislation to create national cemeteries to honor and protect the remains of U.S. soldiers who died in battle or of disease. The Wilmington National Cemetery was established in 1867 on 5 acres of land about a mile east of downtown. The cemetery originally contained the remains of more than 2,000 Union soldiers, many of whom died at Fort Fisher and were later interred here. More than 1,300 are unidentified; many are African American, identified as U.S.C.T. (United States Colored Troops) or U.S. Col. Inf. (United States Colored Infantry). Markers with round tops indicate known burials, and stones with flat tops indicate unknowns; nearly all are government issue. Following the Civil War period, the Wilmington National Cemetery received the remains of Americans through the Vietnam conflict. The cemetery no longer has room for deceased soldiers; however, spouses and family members of soldiers interred there may still be buried near their loved ones. Visitors interested in finding a specific grave may use the locator at the cemetery entrance. Grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

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