If you’re a history buff, you probably know that Woodland is the oldest Iowa cemetery. The earliest Iowans are buried on this sacred site, and you can still tour this enormous 69 acre graveyard today. Read a little about what you’ll find on a walk through Woodland Cemetery, which was established more than 170 years ago.
Even before Des Moines was the captial of Iowa, the beautiful Woodland Cemetery was established. In 1848, this sacred ground was set aside for remains.
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Five local farmers donated the land to create Fort Des Moines Cemetery, and the first burial occurred in 1850. The City purchased the graveyard in 1857, and it grew to over 40 acres by 1864.
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Today, this gorgeous and historic Iowa cemetery sprawls over 69 acres and is the final resting spot of more than 80,000 souls.
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The cemetery is made up of sections, including th St. Ambrose Cemetery from 1866, the Emmanuel Jewish Cemetery founded in 1871, and an Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery.
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Notable graves include that of suffragist Annie Nowlin Savery. American Civil War general Marcellus M. Crocker and two governors of Iowa: Samuel Merrill and Albert B. Cummins.
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Many visitors have claimed that they felt the presence of spirits, or spotted orbs and figures in their photos. Two people have been murdered at Woodland - in the 1560s and in 2006. Grave Robbers have also disturbed the sacred site.
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Make time to visit Woodland this year and explore a historic Iowa cemetery that’s absolutely packed with history.
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Address: 2019 Woodland Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312
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Read some stories from Woodland Cemetery on the Iowa.gov history website, here, and you’ll learn a little more about the Hawkeye State.
For more about Iowa’s graveyards and burial grounds, read 9 Disturbing Cemeteries In Iowa That Will Give You Goosebumps.
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