Oregon Cemeteries
Selected photographs from cemeteries around Oregon
The development of cemeteries in the United States mirrors larger societal trends about how the living relate to the dead. Increasingly after 1830, cemeteries were designed as sanctuaries from the growing industrialization and faster pace of life. They often featured elaborate entrance gates, beautiful sculptures, winding roads, and artful gardens.
About the Photo
A monument at the grave of James Bowles (J.B.) and Elizabeth Stephens at Lone Fir Cemetery in Portland. J.B Stephens was the original Donation Land Claim holder of Lone Fir Cemetery (from Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery) (Oregon State Archives Photo)
Oregonians in the 1800s and early 1900s had very direct connections to death. Most people died at home and middle class funerals were often held in the formal parlor of the house.
Cemeteries reflected this connection as well. Graves were often designed as beds or houses — a sort of last house in a city of the dead. The imagery of the monuments also suggested that death was a form of gentle rest with, for example, little sleeping children resting on top of gravestones.
About the Photo
Evocative monuments from the early 1900s mark the graves of three children at the Echo Memorial Cemetery. The cemetery, on the outskirts of Echo, has many impressive markers. (Scenic photo DSC59_22)
In many cases, newer cemeteries also reflect the larger world. More people die in nursing homes or hospitals and many family members only go to cemeteries for funerals, avoiding them otherwise. The imagery of more modern cemeteries, with their flat and efficient markers, is a stark contrast to dramatic monuments shown throughout this exhibit. (Partial source for this introduction: Cemeteries by Keith Eggener, 2010.)
About the Photo
This is a close up view of one of many columbaria (in this case, curved walls of compartments holding the remains of veterans) at the Willamette National Cemetery south of Portland. (Scenic photo D8C_7784)
Old Oregon Trail Cemetery
About the Photo
An overgrown yellow rose bush surrounds a grave marker at the Old Oregon Trail Cemetery. The site is on a hillside overlooking the small eastern Oregon town of Huntington. (Scenic photo D7K_0797)
About the Cemetery
Old Oregon Trail Cemetery Baker County Established ca. 1890 ca. 201 burials
This monument marks the grave of Samuel Chatham (1845-1901). But the 1900 federal census lists him as living with his family in far off Multnomah County. None of his family appear to be in this cemetery, leaving an unresolved mystery of why he is buried here. Cemeteries are full of questions, some of which can be answered by careful records searches, while others are lost to time.
Ironside Cemetery
About the Photo
A storm brews over Ironside Cemetery in the remote community of Ironside. It is named for its most prominent geographical feature, Ironside Mountain, with an elevation of 7,804 feet. (Scenic photo D7K_2365)
About the Cemetery
Ironside Cemetery Malheur County Established 1873 ca. 196 burials
This community had no post office until 1891, but the earliest burial in the historic cemetery dates from 1873, for Israel Rose. Members of the Rose family were early settlers in the vicinity and 22 of the 196 burials are for individuals with the Rose surname. The most colorful name appearing in the cemetery is Quintillus Hannibal Lawrence, buried there in 1937.
Joseph Cemetery
About the Photo
Joseph Cemetery, also known as Prairie Creek Cemetery, sits under the Wallowa Mountains near the town of Joseph. The number of burials exceeds the town’s current population. (Scenic photo D8C_8473)
About the Cemetery
Joseph Cemetery Wallowa County Established ca. 1883 ca. 1,706 burials
This cemetery has markers for 29 members of the extended Simmons family. Poignantly, there are three markers for young children from the Tucker family who all died in a three-month period in 1888. Also buried here is early Wallowa County pioneer, John Albert Stockham, who, along with his brother, has his name inscribed in the arch at the county courthouse.
Lower Cove Cemetery
About the Photo
An elaborate metal arch identifies the old entrance to the Lower Cove Cemetery near the small town of Cove. The cemetery is situated on a grassy hillside with scattered trees. (Scenic photo D7K_8712)
About the Cemetery
Lower Cove Cemetery Union County Established 1870 ca. 50 burials
Also known as the Wright Family Cemetery, 12 members of the Wright family are buried on the site, including Jackson Wright and his wife, Marinda Jane. Both of their families traveled on the Oregon Trail. Jackson’s family originally settled in Douglas County but moved to Union County in 1875. A 1902 county history described him as having extensive real estate and a productive farm.
Echo Memorial Cemetery
About the Photo
This is one of many dramatic monuments at the Echo Memorial Cemetery. The small town of Echo sits along the Umatilla River and near the route of the Oregon Trail. (Scenic photo DSC53_20)
About the Cemetery
Echo Memorial Cemetery Umatilla County Established ca. 1868 ca. 1,705 burials
The City of Echo and the Echo Memorial Cemetery are named after Echo Koontz, daughter of James and Cynthia Hiatt Koontz, who were early residents of the area. Echo died in 1908 and is buried in the cemetery that bears her name. This is among the many Oregon cemeteries that were affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), a benevolent fraternal organization.
Heppner Masonic Cemetery
About the Photo
The sun sets behind a monument at the Heppner Masonic Cemetery in eastern Oregon’s Morrow County. (Oregon State Archives Photo)
About the Cemetery
Heppner Masonic Cemetery Morrow County Established 1864
The cemetery sits on a hill above the town of Heppner, Morrow, Oregon overlooking the valley and town below.
Fossil Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery
About the Photo
The Fossil Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery overlooks the small town of Fossil. The community invites amateur fossil hunters to dig in fossil beds on the edge of town. (Scenic photo DSC74_2)
About the Cemetery
Fossil Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery Wheeler County Established 1881 ca. 1,087 burials
The IOOF Cemetery has many large and substantial monuments, including three heart-shaped monuments for members of the Henry family. Edgar Poe “Pat” Smith, an early 20th century rancher in Wheeler County, is also buried here. Despite the tough times and demands of ranch life, he lived to be more than 100 years of age. He shares a large marker with his wife Greta (McRae) Smith.
Mayville Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery
About the Photo
The sun sets behind a monument at the Mayville Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery, fittingly located on Cemetery Road, north of Mayville. (Scenic photo D8C_9004)
About the Cemetery
Mayville Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery Gilliam County Established 1886 ca. 321 burials
Originally established by the Mayville IOOF lodge, most of the cemetery’s markers date from the late 19th century. The headstone for Henry Beck, a native of Germany who died in 1899, carries the following inscription, perhaps not written by a friend: "Poorly born; Poorly lived; Poorly died; and no one cried." The cemetery is designated historic by the state.
Kent Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery
About the Photo
This rustic entrance gate opens to the Kent Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery. The site is located amid rolling grassland and wheat fields just north of the community of Kent. (Scenic photo D7K_2250)
About the Cemetery
Kent Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery Sherman County Established 1891 ca. 173 burials
This small cemetery has 12 burials for the Schadewitz family, spanning three generations. The patriarch, Carl Henry Schadewitz (1828-1893), came to the United States before 1860, and lived in California before arriving in Oregon sometime after 1880. His sons remained in the Kent area as successful sheep and wheat ranchers. The cemetery has been designated historic by the state.
Star 23 Rebekah Lodge Cemetery
About the Photo
A stone marks an infant’s grave at the Star 23 Rebekah Lodge Cemetery, also known as the Dufur Community Cemetery. The site is located in the dry, rolling hills near Dufur. (Scenic photo D8C_4981)
About the Cemetery
Star 23 Rebekah Lodge Cemetery Wasco County Established 1895 ca. 915 burials
Many markers in this cemetery predate its establishment because of numerous reburials from other locations. Several members of the Vanderpool family are buried here, including Dr. Larkin Vanderpool (1831-1894). Despite being a self-taught doctor, the community still held his medical abilities in high regard. It is said that his funeral procession was over a mile long.
St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery
About the Photo
A cherub perches on the top of a 1900 monument in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in the western part of the The Dalles. The site features numerous impressive monuments. (Scenic photo D8C_2541)
About the Cemetery
St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery Wasco County Established 1848 ca. 1,872 burials
One of the earlier graves here bears the name of Henry Deadmond (1841-1865). Convicted of the robbery and murder of George W. Meek and Cranford Isabell as they were returning from the Canyon City mines, Deadmond became the first person legally executed in Wasco County. Despite testimony from his father, who traveled from Lane County to be a witness, Henry was duly hung on February 17, 1865.
Upper Valley Cemetery
About the Photo
Mt. Hood stands behind the Upper Valley Cemetery near Parkdale. Upper Valley refers to the Upper Hood River Valley, an area known for its mountain views and fruit orchards. (Scenic photo D7K_6729)
About the Cemetery
Upper Valley Cemetery Hood River County Established 1896 ca. 672 burials
Japanese-Americans historically comprised a significant portion of the Hood River County population. Over the years, they thrived in spite of discrimination, culminating in mass deportations to inland relocation centers during World War II. This cemetery reflects their presence with several Japanese-American families buried here, including members of the Shibahara family.
Willamette National Cemetery
About the Photo
Lawns and forested areas surround one of many curved walls holding the remains of veterans at the Willamette National Cemetery south of Portland. The cemetery also has a Korean War memorial. (Scenic photo D8C_7773)
About the Cemetery
Willamette National Cemetery Clackamas County Established 1950 ca. 163,453 burials
Many Medal of Honor Recipients are buried at Willamette National Cemetery, along with U.S. Marine Corps Aviator Col. Kenneth Ruesser. Flying 253 combat missions, he was the only man to survive being "downed" in three wars. After earning 59 medals, he is considered the most decorated pilot in Marine Corps history. U.S. Senator and Governor Mark O. Hatfield is also buried here.
Lone Fir Cemetery
About the Photo
The Macleay Mausoleum sits in southeast Portland’s historic Lone Fir Cemetery. National Geographic magazine named it one of the world’s top 10 cemeteries in 2011. (Scenic photo D8C_7747)
About the Cemetery
Lone Fir Cemetery Multnomah County Established ca. 1855 ca. 18,137 burials
This cemetery served as one of Portland’s primary burial sites for much of the late 1800s. It is the final resting place for many of the city's early pioneers representing all walks of life. The Macleay Mausoleum was built for Donald Macleay, a Scottish immigrant who became a prominent Portland merchant and banker. Constructed in 1877 at a cost of $13,500, the building is one of many impressive structures at Lone Fir.
Oswego Pioneer Cemetery
About the Photo
A rhododendron bush surrounds a monument at the Oswego Pioneer Cemetery. The site features extensive flower and shrub beds, and sits between a golf course and another cemetery. (Scenic photo D8C_7799)
About the Cemetery
Oswego Pioneer Cemetery Clackamas County Established 1881 ca. 1,207 burials
This cemetery is located on the donation land claim of Jesse and Nancy Bullock, who buried their son here in 1856. The family mapped five acres in 1881 for community cemetery use and donated the site to the Oswego Iron Company in 1892, which managed the site until 1934. Nearly 100 iron workers are buried here along with many prominent area pioneers and Nobel Prize-winner Linus Pauling.
Hillsboro Pioneer Cemetery
About the Photo
Autumn colors add a back-drop to the Hillsboro Pioneer Cemetery. The site is designated as a historic cemetery by the state and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Scenic photo D8C_6443)
About the Cemetery
Hillsboro Pioneer Cemetery Washington County Established 1856 ca. 2,475 burials
This cemetery originally existed as several adjoining cemeteries, including the Masonic, IOOF, and Tongue family plot, as well as Washington County’s burial ground for indigent residents. Creed Turner, convicted of murder and hanged in 1851 in one of Oregon’s earliest executions, is said to be buried on the site, although there is no marker indicating his grave.
Fern Hill Catholic Cemetery
About the Photo
Tucked into a wooded area in the rolling hills of Washington County’s scenic wine country, a stylized praying figure gazes upward at the tiny Fern Hill Catholic Cemetery. (Scenic photo D8C_6419)
About the Cemetery
Fern Hill Catholic Cemetery Washington County Established 1891 ca. 67 burials
The earliest burial in this cemetery appears to be for Francis Davis, who died in 1892. He shares a large monument with Anne G. Davis, who died in 1904. Eight members of the Hulsman family are buried here, with interments dating from 1915 to 2009. More recent burials reflect significant Hispanic migration to Washington County. Fern Hill Catholic Cemetery has been designated historic by the state.
Tillamook Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery
About the Photo
Classic gravestones of the late 1800s sit on a hillside at the Tillamook Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery. The site is located just west of the town of Tillamook. (Scenic photo D7K_8856)
About the Cemetery
Tillamook Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery Tillamook County Established 1864 ca. 3,140 burials
An ornate marker for the grave of Joseph C. Champion (1823-1891) stands out at this cemetery. Champion, the first European settler in the area, arrived at nearby Kilchis Point in 1851. In addition to serving as the first county clerk, Champion also taught at the first school in Tillamook County. The cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated historic by the state.
St. James Catholic Cemetery
About the Photos
Photo 1: A trumpeting angel is depicted in this Bible-inspired statue at the St. James Catholic Cemetery on a hillside in McMinnville. A matching statue completes a cemetery entrance gate. (Scenic photo DSC23_43)
Photo 2: The crucifixion of Jesus is depicted in a dramatic monument at the St. James Catholic Cemetery in McMinnville. Many monuments from the early 1900s featured impressive artwork. (Scenic photo DSC22_43)
About the Cemetery
St. James Catholic Cemetery Yamhill County Established ca. 1900 ca. 1,442 burials
A man who saw a lot of life in his 104 years is buried here. Patrick Joseph Fay was born in Ireland in 1831, arrived in the United States as a young boy, and served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Fay came to Oregon in 1871, married, and raised a family of thirteen children before his death in 1935. His wife, Julia (Manning) Fay, was born in Oregon in 1854 and is buried next to him.
St. Paul Cemetery
About the Photo
The St. Paul Cemetery near Mission Creek in Saint Paul offers sweeping views of surrounding French Prairie. An earlier cemetery by this name is now called the St. Paul Pioneer Cemetery. (Scenic photo DSC166-12)
About the Cemetery
St. Paul Cemetery Marion County Established 1875 ca. 1,450 burials
The original 1839 St. Paul Cemetery was the oldest European cemetery in Oregon. However, most of the graves were moved to the site shown here when it opened. Oregon's first Catholic priest and archbishop, Francis Norbert Blanchet, is buried here. He arrived in the Oregon Country in 1838 and soon established the St. Paul Mission. In addition to his famous missionary work, Blanchet was a prolific writer.
Champoeg Cemetery
About the Photo
The Champoeg Cemetery is located near the community of Champoeg, an early white settlement and birthplace of Oregon Country government. An 1861 flood destroyed the town. (Scenic photo D8C_7850)
About the Cemetery
Champoeg Cemetery Marion County Established 1853 ca. 400 burials
The cemetery includes 30 graves of people from the first generation of pioneering settlers to the area. Cemetery landowner Robert Childers and his wife Mary Ann are among the earliest burials. In 1862 he deeded half of the land to an association and sold the other half to Masonic Lodge No. 27. Thirty years later the lodge deeded its property to the association but reserved some plots for Masons.
Barlow Pioneer Cemetery
About the Photo
The Barlow Pioneer Cemetery is located near the small town of Barlow. The city was named for William Barlow, son of famous pioneer Samuel Barlow, a traveler on the 1845 Oregon Trail. (Scenic photo D8C_3410)
About the Cemetery
Barlow Pioneer Cemetery Clackamas County Established ca. 1856 ca. 41 burials
Less than an acre in size, this cemetery’s burials include Samuel Barlow and his wife Susannah Lee Barlow. He is best remembered for his development of the Barlow Road across the Cascades in 1846. This toll road for wagons provided an alternate route on the Oregon Trail to reach the Willamette Valley, avoiding rafting the treacherous rapids and currents of the water passage on the Columbia River.
Mount Angel Abbey
About the Photo
The cemetery at Mount Angel Abbey is situated on a hilltop with stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and the surrounding countryside. The cemetery was established circa 1884. (Scenic photo DSC202)
About the Cemetery
Mount Angel Abbey Cemetery Marion County Established ca. 1884 ca. 173 burials
Located on the grounds of Mount Angel Abbey, this cemetery is the resting place for members of the Catholic Benedictine community located at the abbey. While most of the burials are for clergy associated with the abbey, at least five burials are for lay individuals, including Peter and Sophie Stockel and Margaret and Andre Robl. Apparently, they were parents of clergy connected to the abbey.
Lee Mission Cemetery
About the Photo
The Lee Mission Cemetery is named for missionary Jason Lee, who came to the Oregon Country in the 1830s, encouraged settlement, and founded Willamette University. (Scenic photo D8C_7697)
About the Cemetery
Lee Mission Cemetery Marion County Established 1842 ca. 3,500 burials
This cemetery is notable for the number of early missionaries who are buried here, including 53 Methodist clergymen. In 1906 Jason Lee’s remains and original tombstone were brought here from the east coast. In an elaborate ceremony, he was laid to rest alongside his missionary family. His second wife, Lucy Ann Thompson, is also buried here. She died shortly after giving birth to a daughter in 1842.
Hilltop Cemetery
About the Photo
The aptly named Hilltop Cemetery sits amid the rolling hills of Polk County along Corvallis Road. It served as the main cemetery for the nearby town of Independence. (Scenic photo polDA34)
About the Cemetery
Hilltop Cemetery Polk County Established ca. 1849 ca. 2,374 burials
This cemetery includes the grave of Hugh McNary Waller, an 1847 early circuit rider clergyman in the Willamette Valley. Waller is credited with helping to establish churches in many early communities in the area. It is claimed that he baptized more than 7,000 individuals during his career. His widowed mother and several siblings also came to Oregon via the Oregon Trail.
Providence Cemetery
About the Photo
A headstone in Providence Cemetery in Linn County for Sarah Jane Cyrus, wife of Henry Cyrus and daughter of J and A E Beard. (Oregon State Archives Photo)
About the Cemetery
Providence Cemetery is located beside the Providence Church, which dates to about 1855. The cemetery was started by the church about that time.
Crystal Lake Cemetery
About the Photo
A moss-covered statue of a Civil War Union soldier stands in historic Crystal Lake Cemetery in Corvallis. The statue was dedicated during the 1908 Memorial Day events. (Scenic photo D7K_6797)
About the Cemetery
Crystal Lake Cemetery Benton County Established 1860 ca. 3,813 burials
Masonic Lodge No. 14 maintained this cemetery for more than 140 years before transferring ownership to Benton County in 2001. Many prominent Corvallis residents, including pioneer Joseph C. Avery and World War I Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Edward C. Allworth, are laid to rest here. The cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
Masonic Cemetery and Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF)
About the Photo
The Masonic Cemetery and Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery are separated by a driveway. They are located on Powerline Road near Harrisburg. (Scenic photo D7K_8233)
About the Cemetery
Masonic Cemetery and Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery Linn County Established ca. 1851 ca. 761 burials
Little Ira Conda (1850-1854) is one of the earliest burials in these adjoining cemeteries. His family arrived in the Oregon Territory in 1853 and his parents and several siblings are also buried here. The largest group represented at this location is the Grimes family, with 33 members of the extended family buried here. The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries has designated the site historic.
Fort Rock Cemetery
About the Photo
Fort Rock Cemetery sits in the shadow of Fort Rock, a significant geological and archaeological site. The volcanic tuff ring stands about 200 feet above the surrounding ice age lake bed. (Scenic photo D7K_3456)
About the Cemetery
Fort Rock Cemetery Lake County Established 1909 ca. 118 burials
Joel Palmer Geer (1855-1914) rests in this cemetery. Geer, who was named after his father’s friend and Indian agent, Joel Palmer, lived a diverse life. He was a prominent Marion County hops grower and served in the Oregon Legislature. He followed the lure of the Alaska gold rush and developed transportation there. Geer later returned to Oregon to take up cattle ranching in the eastern part of the state.
Paisley Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery
About the Photo
A monument stands at the Paisley Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery. Engraving on the marker offers the common sentiment “gone but not forgotten.” (Scenic photo D8C_5472)
About the Cemetery
Paisley Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery Lake County Established 1881 ca. 487 burials
This cemetery includes the grave of Scotsman Charles Innes. He is credited with naming the town after Paisley, Scotland, although any similarity is difficult to find. Many early pioneers are buried here, including Thomas Jefferson Brattain (1829-1909), who came to Oregon in 1851. Brattain moved to eastern Oregon in 1873 and served as Lake County’s first sheriff from 1876 to 1878.
Eagle Point National Cemetery
About the Photo
Evening light hits the Eagle Point National Cemetery. It opened as an adjunct to a nearby veterans’ facility before being transferred to the new National Cemetery System in 1973. (Scenic photo DSC46_10)
About the Cemetery
Eagle Point National Cemetery Jackson County Established 1952 ca. 16,418 burials
Navy Lt. George R. Tweed is a notable burial at this cemetery. Tweed, a radioman, evaded capture by the Japanese after their occupation of Guam during World War II. Despite having a large bounty on his head, he hid out on the island for more than two and a half years and provided valuable information to Allied forces. His subsequent book inspired the 1962 movie, No Man is An Island, starring Jeffrey Hunter.
