A major rehabilitation of the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery soon will begin/NPS

The Andrew Johnson National Cemetery, which holds the gravesite of the former president among its more than 2,000 graves, suffers from cracked walls and grave markers, poor drainage, and settled sidewalks. Many of those problems are about to be addressed during a major construction project. 

“Our national cemetery is a solemn and revered place which allows us to honor our veterans in a serene, distinctive setting. This project will help us continue to preserve this historic landscape in its best condition,” said Andrew Johnson National Historic Site Superintendent David Foster.

According to the park staff, the effects of age and weather have taken their toll on many of the cemetery’s historic assets.

• The concrete boundary wall shows signs of structural cracking, concrete crumbling, and small layers of concrete peeling away. At the Andrew Johnson monument and family grave markers, cracks in the marble and corrosion of iron pins threaten to compromise their integrity.
• The inadequate stormwater drainage system allows water to pool near grave sites impacting the headstones and making the ground dangerous for visiting gravesites.
• Many of the sidewalks have cracked and settled and handrails are nonexistent. Similarly, the parking areas do not meet the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design requirements.

The cemetery holds the remains of soldiers from the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraqi Freedom, and Afghanistan.

The rehabilitation project scheduled to begin September 14 aims to address these concerns and promote the long-term viability of the cemetery, which is located in Greeneville, Tennessee. Construction is expected to last 14 months.