Albany Rural Cemetery

For many years, these historic pedestrian gates stood as a beautiful reminder of Albany Rural Cemetery’s past, but they were no longer functional. Today, we’re proud to share that they have been restored to working order and are once again welcoming visitors on foot.

This project is another example of how small improvements can make a big difference in preserving the character and experience of our cemetery while honoring its history.

A sincere thank you to Albany Steel for once again supporting Albany Rural Cemetery and helping us literally open the gates to history. Their partnership and generosity continue to make projects like this possible.

Special thanks to Peter Hess and his team for donating their time, expertise, and equipment to help bring these gates back to life.

And, of course, a big thank you to Paul who helped us raise the gates and raise the bar for what can be accomplished when people come together to care for this special place.

We look forward to seeing visitors once again pass through these gates for years to come.

Please note that the South Gate will be closed all day on Monday, June 1st due to scheduled paving.

The Main Gate will remain open during regular hours for your convenience. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to maintain our grounds.

Thank you,
Albany Rural Cemetery

Visiting Hours (Year-Round Access)
Please note: Cemetery gates and the Public Mausoleum are open year-round, including holidays, during posted visiting hours.
Summer Hours: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Winter Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

In observance of Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026, the Cemetery gates will remain open for gravesite visitation, and the Public Mausoleum will be accessible during normal posted visiting hours.

Please note that grounds and office staff will be off in observance of the holiday. Normal operations will resume Tuesday, May 26.
Thank you for your understanding. Memorial Day serves as a time for remembrance, gratitude, and reflection upon the men and women who served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and freedoms.

Albany Rural Cemetery is honored to serve as the resting place for veterans, military leaders, public servants, and patriots connected to nearly every major American conflict dating back to the Colonial era, the French & Indian War, the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, World War II, and modern military service.

Visitors may wish to spend time reflecting throughout the Cemetery’s historic military sections and family lots, where the stories of sacrifice, leadership, and service remain woven into the landscape and history of Albany itself.

Among the many notable military figures interred at Albany Rural Cemetery are:
• Major General Philip J. Schuyler — Section 29, Lot 2
Revolutionary War General, U.S. Senator, and one of the most influential military and political leaders in early New York and American history.
• Brigadier General Peter Gansevoort — Section 55, Lot 1
Celebrated Revolutionary War hero best remembered for defending Fort Stanwix during the Saratoga Campaign, helping delay British advancement during a pivotal moment in the Revolution.
• Colonel John Mills — Section 73, Lot 106
Commander of the Albany Republican Artillery during the War of 1812, killed in action at Sacketts Harbor in 1813 while repelling British forces.
• Major Lewis N. Morris — Section 54, Lot 12
Officer in the Mexican-American War who died while leading troops at Monterrey, Mexico. His funeral procession through Albany was reportedly among the largest in the city’s history.
• Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Plot — Section 75, Lot 7
A large military burial site donated by the Trustees of Albany Rural Cemetery during the Civil War for Union soldiers and sailors who died during the conflict. One hundred forty-nine veterans are interred within the plot, while bronze memorial tablets cast from melted Civil War cannon honor hundreds of Albanians who gave their lives preserving the Union.
• WWII Military Plot — Section 209
Dedicated to veterans of the Second World War and serving as a lasting reminder of the global sacrifices made during one of history’s most defining conflicts.

Albany Rural Cemetery is also honored to participate in the nationwide “Taps Across America” National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 PM on Memorial Day. We extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Tom MacDonald, the Friends of Albany Rural Cemetery, Nancy Moreland, Annette Franchini, and all those helping make this meaningful tribute possible within the Cemetery grounds.

For more information regarding the nationwide initiative, please visit: https://www.tapsacrossamerica.org/

We would also like to recognize and thank local historian and author Peter Hess for his extensive research and preservation efforts documenting the remarkable military and civic history of Albany Rural Cemetery. Much of the historical information regarding veterans and military interments throughout the Cemetery has been carefully compiled through his work and publications. Copies of Peter Hess’s book Who were the People of Albany? and historical materials are available for purchase through the Cemetery office while supplies last.

Whether you are visiting a loved one, honoring a veteran, placing flowers, attending a remembrance ceremony, or simply taking a quiet walk through the grounds, Albany Rural Cemetery remains a place of remembrance, peace, history, and reflection - especially on days dedicated to honoring those who served our country.

With respect,
The Staff of Albany Rural Cemetery

Visiting Hours (Year-Round Access)
Please note: Cemetery gates and the Public Mausoleum are open year-round, including holidays, during posted visiting hours.
Summer Hours: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Winter Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM