Pioneers Buried at Crown Hill Cemetery
Thanksgiving is a time when we think about the pilgrims, the families who sailed from England to North America in 1620 seeking religious freedom and founding the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts, thus becoming the first pioneers in a new land. Many years later pioneers settled Indiana before it became a state in 1816 and before Indianapolis became the capital city in 1825.
This article is about a number of the Indiana pioneers buried in our Pioneer Cemetery and throughout Crown Hill.
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Indianapolis had already been established for over forty years by the time Crown Hill was dedicated in 1864. Families buried their loved ones in many smaller cemeteries scattered outside the Mile Square, with a number of them associated with churches and others located on family farms.
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The largest of these cemeteries, and one not dedicated to a specific denomination or family, was named City Cemetery, established in 1821. It was located on the land between the intersection of Kentucky Avenue, South Street, and the White River, or where the Diamond Chain Company is located today. Through a series of land additions over the years, City Cemetery grew to about 25 acres by 1852 and its name was changed to Greenlawn.
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In 1912, most of those still remaining in Greenlawn were moved to the area of Crown Hill referred to as the Pioneer Cemetery, located on Section 226 in the northwest corner of the cemetery. There are 35 individuals from about 20 families who were identified, but the vast majority of the 1,160 moved there remain “known but God.” They joined the many others moved earlier to Crown Hill to be buried in family lots. One can often tell of a relocated pioneer burial by monuments and markers that reveal they died before Crown Hill even opened.
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Cemeteries Moved to Crown Hill
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As the city and county continued to grow, some of the small family cemeteries became neglected and even abandoned. Fortunately, in more recent years there have been efforts to preserve them elsewhere. Two such pioneer cemeteries were saved by moving them to Crown Hill’s Pioneer Cemetery.
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As the end of the year approaches, many will be making decisions about who to generously support. As you make your year-end gifts, please remember Crown Hill Heritage Foundation. It is because of your support we are able to preserve and celebrate Crown Hill Cemetery. Join us in our mission by making your gift below.
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Thanks to our corporate partners!
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