The cemetery was established in 1990. Memorials are placed from year-to-year as they are officially approved and funded. Ken Brown initially sought to have his donated land become a National Veterans Cemetery administered by the federal government. But later agreements between Brown, Boulder City and state and federal officials agreed to have it become a Nevada property. The transaction was adjudicated through the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Division of State Lands. On April 6, 1990, the cemetery was officially dedicated. On that same day, Nevada officially declared that it be known as Ken Brown Day through a proclamation signed by Gov. Bob Miller.