Minnesota’s Oldest Official Cemetery Predates Statehood

Minnesota officially became a state in 1858, but, if you do some searching, you can find a number of cemeteries that predate statehood.

Here is a list of four of the oldest cemeteries in the entire state. And there might be a little bit of controversy as to which cemetery is officially the oldest in the North Star State.

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Spring Hill Cemetery in Jordan, Minnesota

The Spring Hill Cemetery was built only two years after Minnesota became a state in 1860 and is, not only the home to several Civil War Veterans but also a veteran from the War of 1812.

Pioneers and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota

It's original name was the Layman's Cemetery, and according to its website, it is the oldest in Minneapolis. The cemetery's first official burial was in 1853, and is the final resting place for many who helped shape the state in the 19th century. It's also home to several hundred veterans, dating back to the War of 1812.

Oakland Cemetery in St. Paul, Minnesota

Established way back in 1853, the Oakland Cemetery in St. Paul is considered by many to be the oldest public cemetery in the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes. In fact, its website claims that it is the oldest cemetery in the entire Midwest.

The cemetery also has many important figures from Minnesota history buried on its grounds, along with numerous monuments.

St. John's Cemetery in Little Canada, Minnesota

While the Oakland Cemetery claims to be the oldest in the Midwest, the St. John's Cemetery in Little Canada is actually a year older, as it was established in 1852. However, according to its own website, it wasn't dedicated until 1855.

 It is located one block east of the church on Little Canada Road. Over one hundred members of pioneer families are buried in the oldest section near the entrance gate. The life-sized Crucifixion scene facing the gate provides the backdrop for the annual Memorial Day Mass in the cemetery. -St. John's Cemetery Website

Story Sources: Little Canada Website, Minnesota Monthly, Forgotten Minnesota Website, Friends of the Cemetery Website