Cemeteries are silent custodians of history, preserving the stories of those who came before us. Forgotten cemeteries, in particular, often hold secrets about local communities, ancestral lineages, and cultural practices. Over time, these cemeteries may be neglected, covered by vegetation, or even built over, making them challenging to find. For genealogists, historians, and those tracing their family roots, the quest to locate a cemetery can be both fascinating and daunting. This guide explores some of the best resources and strategies to help you uncover these hidden resting places.
1. Online Cemetery Databases and Websites
In the digital age, one of the most effective starting points to locate a cemetery is through online databases. Websites like Find A Grave, BillionGraves, and Interment.net provide searchable databases that include GPS coordinates, photographs, and burial records. Many of these platforms rely on user-generated content, which means local knowledge and recent discoveries are frequently updated.
- Find A Grave: One of the most comprehensive resources, Find A Grave allows users to search by the name of the deceased or the cemetery. Many entries include headstone photographs and transcriptions.
- BillionGraves: This platform offers GPS coordinates for graves, which can be incredibly helpful for locating forgotten cemeteries that are off the beaten path.
- Interment.net: It offers a wealth of burial records from various cemeteries, including many forgotten or historic ones.
These databases are not just valuable for genealogical research but are also handy for identifying potential locations of neglected cemeteries.
2. Historical Maps and Land Records
Old maps and land records can be goldmines of information when trying to locate a cemetery that has fallen into obscurity. Historical atlases, plat maps, and land deeds often include markers or notations indicating burial grounds. Resources such as USGS Historical Topographic Map Explorer or the Library of Congress’ map collection can provide insights into the location of cemeteries that no longer appear on modern maps.
- County Atlases and Plat Maps: Many old county atlases show the exact location of family plots or small community cemeteries that may now be overgrown or unmarked.
- Land Records and Deeds: An examination of old land deeds and property descriptions can sometimes reveal burial grounds that were set aside by the original landowners.
3. Local Historical Societies and Libraries
Local historical societies and libraries are treasure troves of information. They often maintain unique records, including unpublished manuscripts, cemetery inventories, and obituaries that are not available elsewhere. If you’re trying to locate a cemetery, visiting these institutions can be highly productive.
- Local Cemetery Inventories: Many local historical societies have conducted surveys of old cemeteries, which include details about the cemetery’s condition, names of the interred, and sometimes maps.
- Obituaries and Death Notices: Historical newspapers often mention burial locations in obituaries. Libraries frequently maintain archives of local newspapers, some of which may not be digitized.
4. State Archives and County Recorder’s Offices
State archives and county recorder’s offices often house burial records, plot maps, and other public documents that might help in locating a cemetery. County recorder’s offices typically keep property records that may include details about land that was dedicated for cemeteries or where small family plots were established.
- Burial Permits and Plot Deeds: Checking for old burial permits or plot deeds can offer clues about the location of forgotten cemeteries.
- State Archives: State archives often have specialized collections that include burial records, maps, and local histories. These records can help narrow down your search.
5. Aerial Imagery and GPS Technology
Modern technology has revolutionized cemetery research. Aerial imagery, such as that provided by Google Earth, can help identify overgrown or abandoned cemeteries by revealing unnatural patterns in vegetation or disturbed ground. Additionally, some forgotten cemeteries may be located using GPS technology.
- Google Earth and Historical Imagery: The historical imagery feature on Google Earth allows you to view past aerial photos of an area, making it easier to identify changes in the landscape that may indicate a cemetery.
- Drone Surveys: In some cases, utilizing drones to take aerial images of large tracts of land can help detect patterns or anomalies indicating burial sites.
6. Local Oral Histories and Community Knowledge
Sometimes, the key to locating a cemetery lies not in official records but in the memories of the local community. Speaking to long-time residents, local elders, and families who have lived in an area for generations can often uncover invaluable clues.
- Oral Histories: Old-timers in rural areas may remember long-forgotten burial sites or be aware of family plots that were established generations ago.
- Community Resources: Engaging with local genealogy groups or attending community events can also lead to connections with people who have intimate knowledge of local cemeteries.
7. Grave Hunting and Fieldwork
When records are scarce, and digital resources fall short, the next best step is fieldwork. This involves physically exploring areas where forgotten cemeteries are suspected to exist. Fieldwork requires patience and keen observation skills, as forgotten cemeteries may only have faint clues such as sunken ground, unusual vegetation, or remnants of old fencing.
- Reading the Landscape: Overgrown paths, depressions in the soil, and distinct tree lines are often signs of a cemetery.
- Grave Markers and Stones: Even in heavily overgrown areas, gravestones or stone markers might still be partially visible. Identifying these can confirm the presence of a cemetery.
Conclusion
Uncovering forgotten cemeteries is not just about finding burial sites—it’s about rediscovering history and connecting with the past. From leveraging online databases to reading old maps, speaking with locals, and using modern technology, there are numerous resources available to help you locate a cemetery. Each discovery can unlock new stories and provide valuable information for historians, genealogists, and those seeking to honor their ancestors. By using these resources, you can turn forgotten cemeteries into places of remembrance and reflection.
