Why do some headstones in a national cemetery have peaks on top? 

The Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery is one of the first 12 national cemeteries established by Abraham Lincoln on July 17, 1862. Veterans since the War of 1812 have been laid to rest in the cemetery. One veteran of the War of 1812 is the cemetery's most famous occupant, Colonel Henry Leavenworth, who gave his name to the fort, the town, the county and the cemetery.

Others buried in the cemetery include eight Medal of Honor recipients, seven Confederate prisoners of war (Confederate soldiers have peaked headstones), unknowns transferred from Fort Larned, two soldiers killed in Operation Desert Storm, and soldiers killed in the War on Terror. 

Open daily from dawn to dusk.

Note: Access to Fort Leavenworth requires adults to have a government issued ID card (i.e. driver's license).  Vehicles require current registration and proof of insurance.