In 1868 the Naval Academy purchased a 67-acre piece of land called Strawberry Hill as part of their efforts to expand after the
American Civil War. Within a year of its acquisition part of the property became the cemetery. Since its beginning the cemetery has become the final resting place for Medal of Honor recipients, Superintendents of the Naval Academy, Midshipmen, and former employees of the Academy and hundreds more of the nation's veterans. The cemetery is also home to monuments that do not mark remains, but commemorate the heroism of individuals who gave their life in service to their country. The
Jeannette Monument, erected in 1890, is the most notable such monument. It was built in memory of the men who lost their lives in the
Jeannette Arctic Expedition. ==Columbarium==