Monroe Street Cemetery

Monroe Street Cemetery

Cleveland, Ohio 44113

Official Website

About this Location

Monroe Street Cemetery is 13.63 acres in area and was designated a Historic Landmark by the City of Cleveland Landmarks Commission in 1973. The number of burials exceeds 31,400 persons. It is believed that burials on the property began as early as 1818 and a headstone dated 1827 can still be seen. 

 Ohio City was originally part of Brooklyn Township, which was founded in 1818 by Richard Lord and his brother-in-law Josiah Barber. It remained so until 1854 when it was annexed to Cleveland. The two cities became fierce competitors, especially in the area of commerce.

Brooklyn Township acquired its cemetery when Barber and Lord sold a six-acre parcel in 1836 to be used "forever as a public burying ground." When Ohio City was incorporated the township cemetery became the city cemetery. The Ohio City council established rules and regulations. It also appointed a sexton and arranged for systematic platting, as well as for the purchase and storage of a hearse. After annexation, the cemetery became simply known as "the west side cemetery" and, later, the Monroe Street Cemetery. Under Cleveland's charge, the cemetery was ornamented with walks and plantings, protected by a patrol, and fenced to keep out wandering hogs. Until the late 1890s, it was Cleveland's only west-side public cemetery. 

Features

  • Roadside viewing

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Official Website