Los Angeles National Cemetery's story begins in 1887, when The Pacific Branch of the National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers was established in 1887 on 300 acres of ranch lands belonging to Rancho San Vicente y Santa Monica. The lands were donated by Senator John P. Jones and wealthy land heiress Arcadia B. Stearns de Baker. Another 200 acres were added to the site in 1890. The cemetery was officially dedicated on May 22, 1889, with a size of 20 acres, on the grounds of the National Home. When the new community of Sawtelle developed around the Pacific Branch in 1904, the home and cemetery were later referred to as the Sawtelle Soldier's Home or Sawtelle National Cemetery. In the coming years, the cemetery name was later changed to Los Angeles National Cemetery and grew to over 127 acres.

With more than 1,000 veterans in residence at the turn of the century, a new hospital was erected in 1900. It was replaced in 1927 by Wadsworth Hospital, and a second facility, Brentwood Hospital, was also constructed in the 1920s. In 1930, The National Home system merged into the newly created United States Veterans Administration, and the campus became part of the VA system. In the 1960s, most of the original 19th and early 20th century buildings were demolished as the campus evolved into a medical center. In 1973, the cemetery was transferred from the then-Veterans Administration Medical Center to what was then the National Cemetery System. In 1977, the current West Los Angeles VA Medical Center opened, and stands to this day.

Los Angeles National Cemetery has been closed to new casket interments since approximately 1978, with the exception of spouses of those already buried. Due to this fact, for many years most families choose to be interred at Riverside National Cemetery, which is near 1,000 acres bigger than Los Angeles National Cemetery. To accommodate community need, the Department of Veterans Affairs acquired another 13 acres to permit the cemetery to expand. This phase opened in October 2019 and occupies approximately 4.4 acres of the site and holds 10,000 niches for cremated remains. The cemetery will construct additional niches on the site as needed until it reaches the planned capacity of 90,854.

Some of the cemetery's features are unique, including an administration building and adjoining Bob Hope Memorial Chapel (built in 1939-40) and the NCA's only indoor columbarium, which was built in 1940-41. These buildings were constructed by the Works Progress Administration in a distinctive Spanish Revival style of stucco and tile. The original gatehouse and entrance gates have been removed.

There are two canine burials at Los Angeles National Cemetery, although this practice is prohibited today. Old Bonus, an adopted pet of residents in the Soldiers' home; and Blackout, a war dog wounded in the Pacific during World War II, are both buried here.

Phone: (310) 268-4675 or 4494

Office Hours:

Monday thru Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm

Closed federal holidays except Memorial Day and Veterans Day

Visitation Hours:

Open Daily 8:00am to 5:00pm except Memorial Day 8:00am to 7:00pm