What Is Crownsville Veterans Cemetery?
Crownsville Veterans Cemetery is a 103-acre state-operated cemetery in Crownsville, Maryland, providing burial space for eligible Maryland veterans and their dependents. Located at 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, it opened in 1980 and has interred more than 28,000 veterans and family members. The cemetery is owned and operated by the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). There is no cost for eligible veterans.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Free burial for eligible veterans; low-cost burial for dependents |
| Eligibility | Maryland veterans with honorable discharge; spouses and dependent children |
| Application | Pre-application for interment via MDVA; submit to cemetery of choice |
| Processing Time | 4–6 weeks for pre-application review |
| Official Agency | Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) |
| Required Forms | MDVMF Veteran Cemetery Program Pre-Application for Interment |
| Updated For | 2026 |
Location and Contact Information
Crownsville Veterans Cemetery is located at 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, MD 21032. The cemetery is situated off State Route 178, surrounded by the peaceful Severn River residential community.
Address
1122 Sunrise Beach Road
Crownsville, MD 21032
Phone and Fax
| Contact | Number |
|---|---|
| Main Phone | 410-987-6320 |
| Fax | 410-987-3920 |
| crownsville.vc@maryland.gov |
Visiting Hours
The cemetery is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM. Gates may open at 7:30 AM for special ceremonies such as Memorial Day flag placement.
GPS Coordinates
39.066323, -76.596611
History of Crownsville Veterans Cemetery
Crownsville Veterans Cemetery opened in 1980 and has served Maryland veterans for over four decades. The 103-acre site was originally used for farming before becoming a veterans cemetery. Near the center of the cemetery is a one-acre family cemetery dating back to 1875, retained by the heirs and assigns of the Carter family in perpetuity.
Key Milestones
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1875 | Carter family cemetery established on the site |
| 1980 | Crownsville Veterans Cemetery opened |
| 2000 | Federal guidance on headstone disposal issued |
| 2015 | Expansion project approved to address capacity |
| 2022 | Over 27,135 veterans and dependents interred |
| 2025 | Expansion Phase IV planned to extend capacity 10+ years |
Current Capacity
The cemetery has interred more than 28,000 Maryland veterans and their dependents. When fully developed, the site is expected to provide more than 48,000 burial plots. However, columbarium space is projected to be exhausted by fiscal 2028 without expansion. A Phase IV expansion and improvement project is planned to add at least 10 years of capacity.
Eligibility for Burial at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityYou may be eligible for burial at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery if you are a Maryland veteran who served on active duty and received a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. Spouses, surviving spouses, and dependent children may also be eligible.
Who Qualifies
Veterans who served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training and received a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable
Maryland residents who were legal residents of Maryland for at least two years at the time of death, or who were Maryland residents when they entered military service
Spouses and surviving spouses of eligible veterans
Dependent children of eligible veterans
Surviving spouses who remarried on or after January 1, 2000, even if the spouse subsequently remarried a non-veteran
National Guard and Reserve members who meet service criteria
Residency Requirements
A veteran must meet one of the following residency criteria:
Home of Record:Â Maryland was listed as the home of record at time of entry into service
Two-year residency:Â The veteran was a legal resident of Maryland for at least two years at the time of death
Current residency:Â The veteran currently lives in Maryland and can provide proof of residency
If your discharge document does not show Maryland as your home of record and you plan to move out of Maryland in the future, you may be required to prove two years of Maryland residency.
Discharge Requirements
A discharge under conditions other than dishonorable is required. A DD-214 or equivalent discharge document showing date of entry, date of separation, branch of service, service number, home of record at time of entry, and character of service is required.
What Disqualifies a Veteran
Dishonorable discharge
Certain felony convictions (federal or state capital crimes)
Failure to meet residency requirements
Failure to provide required documentation
Burial Benefits at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery
Eligible veterans receive burial at no cost. Spouses and dependent children are buried at a minimal cost. The cemetery provides perpetual care of the gravesite.
What Is Included for Veterans
Gravesite at no cost
Opening and closing of the grave
Perpetual care of the gravesite
Government headstone or marker
Burial flag
Military funeral honors (upon request)
What Is Included for Spouses and Dependents
Gravesite at minimal cost
Opening and closing of the grave
Perpetual care of the gravesite
Headstone or marker (shared with veteran)
Additional Burial Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Burial Allowance | VA may pay a burial allowance for service-connected deaths or certain non-service-connected deaths |
| Presidential Memorial Certificate | Engraved certificate signed by the President honoring the veteran’s service |
| Military Funeral Honors | Flag folding, flag presentation, and playing of Taps for eligible veterans |
| Headstone or Marker | Flat granite marker with name, branch, birth and death years, and section/grave number |
Headstone and Marker Details
All veteran headstones and markers must include the person’s legal name, the veteran’s service branch, and birth and death years. They may also include birth and death dates, the highest rank attained, and section and grave number. The cemetery uses flat markers aligned precisely with meticulously maintained lawns. Veterans may choose from dozens of religious symbols or leave the marker without a religious symbol.
Separate Jewish Section
The cemetery has a separate Jewish section surrounded by shrubbery. A Star of David on the headstone distinguishes these graves. Approximately 20 Jewish burials are in the main part of the cemetery.
How to Apply for Burial at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery
To apply, submit the MDVMF Veteran Cemetery Program Pre-Application for Interment to the cemetery of your choice. This pre-application determines eligibility before the need arises.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Complete the pre-application form. Fully complete and sign the MDVMF Veteran Cemetery Program Pre-Application for Interment.
Gather required documents. You will need your DD-214 or equivalent discharge document showing date of entry, date of separation, branch of service, service number, home of record at time of entry, and character of service.
Provide proof of Maryland residency. This can include a Maryland address in the Home of Record at Time of Entry field on your discharge document, or one of the following dated within six months: utility bill, hospital bill, tax records, or a copy of a valid Maryland driver’s license.
Mail or email your completed form and supporting documentation to the cemetery of your choice. For Crownsville: crownsville.vc@maryland.gov or 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, MD 21032.
Allow 4–6 weeks for processing. Submitting an incomplete form or omitting supporting documentation will lead to delay or denial of your pre-application.
Receive notification of acceptance. MDVMF will notify you of your pre-application status.
Notify the cemetery of changes. If any information changes after you receive notification of acceptance, notify the cemetery in writing.
Confirm eligibility at time of death. At the time of the death of the veteran or eligible family member, the veteran’s continued eligibility for burial must be confirmed.
Required Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| DD-214 or Equivalent Discharge Document | Proof of military service and character of discharge |
| Proof of Maryland Residency | Utility bill, hospital bill, tax records, or valid Maryland driver’s license (dated within 6 months) |
| Pre-Application Form | Completed and signed MDVMF Veteran Cemetery Program Pre-Application for Interment |
| Additional Documentation | May be required for spouses, dependent children, name changes post-discharge, or veterans living outside Maryland at time of death |
Required VA Forms
The pre-application process for Crownsville Veterans Cemetery does not require VA forms. However, for VA burial benefits such as the burial allowance, Presidential Memorial Certificate, or headstone, you may need:
VA Form 21P-530Â (Application for Burial Benefits)
VA Form 40-1330Â (Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker)
VA Form 40-0247Â (Presidential Memorial Certificate Request)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Veterans and families applying for burial at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery frequently make these errors.
Submitting an incomplete application. Missing signatures, unanswered questions, or omitted documents will delay or deny your pre-application.
Not providing proof of Maryland residency. If your discharge document does not show Maryland as your home of record, you must provide one of the accepted residency documents dated within six months.
Waiting until the time of need. The pre-application process takes 4–6 weeks. Apply in advance to ensure eligibility is established before the need arises.
Assuming the pre-application guarantees a specific gravesite. Acceptance of the pre-application does not constitute the reservation of a specific gravesite.
Forgetting to confirm continued eligibility at time of death. Eligibility must be confirmed at the time of death.
Not notifying the cemetery of changes. If your information changes after pre-application acceptance, notify the cemetery in writing.
Confusing state and national cemetery benefits. Crownsville is a state cemetery operated by Maryland, not a national cemetery operated by the VA. Some benefits may differ.
Comparison: Maryland State Veterans Cemeteries
Maryland operates five state veterans cemeteries across the state. Each provides burial benefits to eligible veterans and their dependents.
| Cemetery | Location | Phone | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crownsville Veterans Cemetery | 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, MD 21032 | 410-987-6320 | Open |
| Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery | 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD 20623 | 301-372-6398 | Open |
| Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery | 6827 East New Market Ellwood Road, Hurlock, MD 21643 | 410-943-3420 | Open |
| Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery | 11501 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117 | 410-363-6090 | Open |
| Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery | 14205 Pleasant Valley Road NE, Flintstone, MD 21530 | 301-777-2185 | Open |
How to Choose the Right Cemetery
Crownsville serves Anne Arundel County and the surrounding Severn River community. It is the largest Maryland veterans cemetery by interments.
Cheltenham serves Prince George’s County and the Washington, D.C. metro area.
Eastern Shore serves the Delmarva Peninsula.
Garrison Forest serves Baltimore County and the Baltimore metro area.
Rocky Gap serves Western Maryland and Allegany County.
Latest News and Updates
Crownsville Expansion Phase IV
The cemetery requires an expansion of burial capacity and columbarium structures, as it is expected to exhaust its columbarium space by fiscal 2028. The Phase IV expansion and improvements project will add a minimum of 10 years of capacity to Crownsville Veterans Cemetery.
Capital Construction Projects
Capital construction burial expansion projects at Cheltenham and Crownsville State Veterans Cemeteries reached 95% completion, with upgraded cemetery equipment including two articulating Site Dumpers.
Dignified Burial Ceremonies
The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs holds dignified burial ceremonies for unaccompanied veterans who honorably served. These ceremonies ensure proper respect is paid to veterans who might otherwise be buried without military honors.
Memorial Day Ceremonies
Crownsville Veterans Cemetery hosts annual Memorial Day ceremonies. In 2026, the ceremony was held on May 25 at 11:00 a.m. The cemetery gates open at 7:30 AM for flag placement events.
Common Questions
1. What is Crownsville Veterans Cemetery?
Crownsville Veterans Cemetery is a 103-acre state-operated cemetery in Crownsville, Maryland, providing burial space for eligible Maryland veterans and their dependents. It opened in 1980 and has interred more than 28,000 veterans and family members. The cemetery is owned and operated by the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs.
2. Who is eligible for burial at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery?
Eligible individuals include Maryland veterans who served on active duty and received a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable, spouses and surviving spouses, and dependent children. Residency requirements apply—Maryland must be the home of record at time of entry, or the veteran must have been a Maryland resident for at least two years at time of death.
3. Is burial free at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery?
Yes. Eligible veterans receive burial at no cost. Spouses and dependent children are buried at a minimal cost. The cemetery provides perpetual care of the gravesite.
4. How do I apply for burial at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery?
Submit the MDVMF Veteran Cemetery Program Pre-Application for Interment to Crownsville Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, MD 21032. Include your DD-214 or equivalent discharge document and proof of Maryland residency. Allow 4–6 weeks for processing.
5. What documents are required for pre-application?
You need a completed and signed pre-application form, a DD-214 or equivalent discharge document, and proof of Maryland residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, hospital bill, tax records, or valid Maryland driver’s license dated within six months.
6. What headstone or marker options are available?
The cemetery uses flat granite markers aligned precisely with maintained lawns. Markers must include the person’s legal name, service branch, and birth and death years. They may also include birth and death dates, highest rank, and section and grave number. Veterans may choose from dozens of religious symbols or leave the marker without one.
7. Does Crownsville Veterans Cemetery have a Jewish section?
Yes. The cemetery has a separate Jewish section surrounded by shrubbery. A Star of David on the headstone distinguishes these graves. Approximately 20 Jewish burials are in the main part of the cemetery.
8. What are the cemetery’s visiting hours?
The cemetery is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM. Gates may open at 7:30 AM for special ceremonies such as Memorial Day flag placement.
9. What is the phone number for Crownsville Veterans Cemetery?
The main phone number is 410-987-6320. The fax number is 410-987-3920. The email address is crownsville.vc@maryland.gov.
10. Can my spouse be buried with me at Crownsville?
Yes. Spouses and surviving spouses of eligible veterans may be buried at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery at a minimal cost. Surviving spouses who remarried on or after January 1, 2000, even if they remarried a non-veteran, may also be eligible.
11. What if I don’t have a DD-214?
A DD-214 or equivalent discharge document is required to prove eligibility. If you do not have your DD-214, you can request a replacement from the National Archives or the VA.
12. Is Crownsville Veterans Cemetery a national cemetery?
No. Crownsville Veterans Cemetery is a state cemetery operated by the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs. It is not a national cemetery operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Some burial benefits may differ between state and national cemeteries.
13. What happens if I move out of Maryland after pre-application?
If your discharge document does not show Maryland as your home of record and you plan to move out of Maryland in the future, you may be required to prove two years of Maryland residency. Notify the cemetery in writing if your information changes after pre-application acceptance.
14. What burial benefits are available for veterans?
Burial benefits include a gravesite at no cost, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, government headstone or marker, burial flag, Presidential Memorial Certificate, and military funeral honors. VA may also pay a burial allowance for service-connected deaths or certain non-service-connected deaths.
15. How do I request military funeral honors?
Military funeral honors can be requested through the funeral home or by contacting the cemetery. Honors include flag folding, flag presentation, and playing of Taps for eligible veterans. The funeral director typically coordinates with the military branch to arrange honors.
Key Takeaways
Crownsville Veterans Cemetery is a 103-acre state-operated cemetery in Crownsville, Maryland, providing free burial for eligible Maryland veterans and low-cost burial for dependents.
Eligibility requires honorable discharge and Maryland residency—either home of record at time of entry or two years of residency at time of death.
The pre-application process takes 4–6 weeks. Submit the MDVMF Pre-Application for Interment with your DD-214 and proof of residency to 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, MD 21032.
Burial for veterans is free and includes gravesite, opening and closing, perpetual care, headstone, burial flag, and Presidential Memorial Certificate.
Crownsville is one of five Maryland state veterans cemeteries, alongside Cheltenham, Eastern Shore, Garrison Forest, and Rocky Gap.
A Phase IV expansion is planned to add at least 10 years of burial capacity, as columbarium space is projected to be exhausted by 2028.
The cemetery has a separate Jewish section surrounded by shrubbery, with Star of David headstones.
Visiting hours are 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM daily. Gates may open at 7:30 AM for special ceremonies.
Military funeral honors are available upon request, including flag folding, flag presentation, and Taps.
Contact the cemetery at 410-987-6320Â for questions about eligibility, pre-application, or burial arrangements.
Official Resources
Crownsville Veterans Cemetery – DiscoverVA: discover.va.gov/inside-the-department/crownsville-veterans-cemetery/
Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Cemetery Program:Â veterans.maryland.gov/cemetery-and-memorial-program
MDVMF Veteran Cemetery Program Pre-Application for Interment (PDF):Â veterans.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/02-05-Pre-Application-July-2024.pdf
VA Burial Benefits:Â va.gov/burials-memorials/
VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Benefits):Â va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21p-530/
VA Form 40-1330 (Headstone or Marker Application):Â va.gov/find-forms/about-form-40-1330/
USA.gov Veterans Benefits: usa.gov/veterans-benefits
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