Introduction

Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana, is a city steeped in history, culture, and quiet reverence. Amid its bustling streets and modern skyline lie sacred grounds that tell the stories of generations—cemeteries that are not merely places of burial, but living archives of the nation’s past. These burial sites hold the final rest of governors, inventors, soldiers, artists, and everyday citizens whose lives shaped the city’s identity. Yet not all cemeteries are created equal. Some have been meticulously preserved, documented, and respected by communities and historians alike. Others have faded into neglect or been altered beyond recognition.

This article presents the Top 10 Historical Cemeteries in Indianapolis You Can Trust—sites verified for their historical integrity, preservation standards, accessibility, and cultural significance. These cemeteries have been selected based on archival records, public documentation, maintenance practices, and scholarly recognition. They are places where history is not just remembered, but honored. Whether you are a local resident, a genealogist, a historian, or simply someone seeking quiet reflection, these cemeteries offer a profound connection to the past.

Trust in this context means more than reputation—it means transparency, conservation, and authenticity. These ten sites have stood the test of time, not just in age, but in their commitment to preserving memory. This guide will walk you through each, offering context, notable burials, and why each deserves your respect and visit.

Why Trust Matters

When exploring historical cemeteries, trust is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Unlike museums or libraries, cemeteries are physical, outdoor archives. Their condition reflects societal values, institutional accountability, and historical ethics. A cemetery that is poorly maintained, inaccurately labeled, or commercially exploited risks erasing the very stories it claims to preserve.

Trustworthy cemeteries are those that:

• Maintain accurate, publicly accessible records of burials
• Preserve original monuments and gravestones without unnecessary modernization
• Have active historical societies or nonprofit stewardship
• Allow public access without restrictive or commercial barriers
• Document and interpret the lives of diverse communities, including marginalized groups

In Indianapolis, several cemeteries have faced challenges over the decades—neglect during economic downturns, vandalism, or even unauthorized land sales. The cemeteries listed here have overcome these threats through community advocacy, state recognition, or dedicated volunteer efforts. They are not simply old burial grounds; they are institutions of memory.

Choosing to visit a trusted cemetery is an act of historical responsibility. It ensures that the stories of the forgotten are not lost. It supports the work of curators, genealogists, and preservationists who dedicate their lives to protecting these spaces. And it honors the dead not as relics, but as individuals whose legacies continue to shape the present.

Top 10 Historical Cemeteries in Indianapolis

1. Crown Hill Cemetery

Established in 1863, Crown Hill Cemetery is the largest and most prominent historical cemetery in Indianapolis. Spanning over 550 acres, it is the final resting place of 170,000 individuals, including three U.S. Vice Presidents, two U.S. Senators, and the infamous John Dillinger. Its design, inspired by the rural cemetery movement of the 19th century, features winding paths, ornate mausoleums, and a towering 255-foot National Mausoleum—the tallest of its kind in the United States.

The cemetery is meticulously maintained by the Crown Hill Cemetery Foundation, a nonprofit established in 1997 to ensure its preservation. Its archives contain over 150 years of burial records, accessible to researchers. Notable burials include President Benjamin Harrison, poet James Whitcomb Riley, and suffragist May Wright Sewall. The site also includes a dedicated section for Civil War veterans, with over 4,000 Union soldiers interred.

Crown Hill’s trustworthiness stems from its comprehensive documentation, ongoing restoration projects, and its designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1984. It is one of the few cemeteries in the country with a full-time historian on staff. Visitors can take guided walking tours, access digital maps, and explore interpretive signage that contextualizes each grave’s historical significance.

2. Holy Cross Cemetery

Founded in 1885 by the Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Holy Cross Cemetery is one of the oldest continuously operating Catholic cemeteries in the state. Located on the city’s south side, it reflects the deep immigrant roots of Indianapolis, particularly German, Irish, and Polish communities. Over 80,000 individuals rest here, many in family plots marked by traditional crosses, statues of the Virgin Mary, and inscriptions in multiple languages.

What sets Holy Cross apart is its commitment to preserving ethnic heritage. The cemetery maintains records in both English and Latin, and its chapels still host traditional funeral rites in native tongues. The grounds include a dedicated section for victims of the 1918 influenza pandemic and a memorial to victims of the 1937 Indiana State Fair collapse.

Unlike many urban cemeteries, Holy Cross has never been subdivided or commercially developed. Its management remains under the Archdiocese, which prioritizes preservation over profit. In 2015, the cemetery received a grant from the Indiana Historical Society to restore over 1,200 weathered headstones. Today, it is one of the most reliable sources for genealogical research in central Indiana, with digitized records available through the Archdiocesan archives.

3. Oaklawn Cemetery

Established in 1848, Oaklawn Cemetery is the oldest public cemetery in Indianapolis. Originally known as the “City Cemetery,” it was the primary burial ground for residents before Crown Hill opened. Its 40-acre landscape holds the graves of early settlers, Civil War soldiers, and prominent 19th-century business leaders.

Oaklawn’s historical value lies in its raw authenticity. Many of its headstones are hand-carved, made from sandstone or marble, and bear weathered inscriptions that have survived over 175 years. Unlike newer cemeteries, Oaklawn has resisted modern landscaping trends—its trees are original, its pathways remain uneven, and its monuments are preserved as found, not restored to “new” condition.

The cemetery fell into disrepair in the 1970s but was revived through the efforts of the Oaklawn Preservation Society, a volunteer group founded in 1982. Their work includes cleaning stones, documenting epitaphs, and mapping unmarked graves. In 2010, the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Oaklawn is a living museum of early Indianapolis life, where visitors can trace the city’s growth through its most humble memorials.

4. Greenlawn Cemetery

Greenlawn Cemetery, established in 1850, was once the largest cemetery in Indianapolis and served as the city’s primary burial ground for over half a century. Located near the White River, it was designed with Victorian-era aesthetics in mind—elaborate ironwork, obelisks, and landscaped gardens. However, by the mid-20th century, Greenlawn suffered from neglect, vandalism, and partial demolition to make way for highway construction.

Despite this, Greenlawn remains one of the most historically significant sites in the city. Over 40,000 individuals are buried here, including 1,800 Civil War veterans, many of whom were previously unmarked. The cemetery is the final resting place of John T. McCutcheon, Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, and William C. Larrabee, a noted abolitionist and state legislator.

Today, Greenlawn is managed by the City of Indianapolis Department of Public Works, which has undertaken a multi-year restoration initiative. Through partnerships with the Indiana Historical Society and local universities, over 2,000 headstones have been cleaned and documented. A digital database of all known burials is now publicly accessible. Greenlawn’s trustworthiness comes not from perfection, but from its honest acknowledgment of loss and its commitment to restoration.

5. Mount Jackson Cemetery

Mount Jackson Cemetery, founded in 1849, is the oldest African American cemetery in Indianapolis. Established by members of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, it served as a sacred space for Black residents excluded from white cemeteries during segregation. Over 6,000 individuals are interred here, including formerly enslaved people, Underground Railroad conductors, and early Black educators.

Mount Jackson’s historical importance cannot be overstated. Many graves were unmarked due to poverty and discrimination, but recent archaeological surveys have identified over 1,200 previously undocumented burial sites. The cemetery’s surviving headstones often bear simple inscriptions—names, dates, and phrases like “Beloved Mother” or “Faithful Servant”—that speak volumes about dignity in the face of adversity.

Since 2005, the Mount Jackson Historical Society has led preservation efforts, working with historians from Indiana University and the Smithsonian to map the site and recover lost stories. In 2018, the cemetery received a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to install protective fencing and interpretive signage. Today, it is a site of pilgrimage for descendants and scholars of African American history.

6. Holy Sepulchre Cemetery

Founded in 1875 by the Roman Catholic Church, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery is one of the most architecturally significant cemeteries in Indianapolis. Located on the city’s east side, its design draws from Gothic Revival traditions, with vaulted chapels, stained-glass windows, and intricate stone carvings. The cemetery contains over 60,000 burials, including many of Indianapolis’s early Catholic clergy and philanthropists.

What distinguishes Holy Sepulchre is its collection of mausoleums, many of which were designed by renowned local architects. The Haas Mausoleum, built in 1903, features hand-painted murals depicting biblical scenes and is considered a regional masterpiece. The cemetery also holds the graves of several members of the Duvall family, prominent brewers and civic leaders who funded the construction of St. John the Evangelist Cathedral.

Managed by the Archdiocese since its founding, Holy Sepulchre has maintained consistent standards of preservation. Its records are meticulously kept in both handwritten ledgers and digital formats. In 2020, the cemetery completed a five-year restoration of its central chapel, funded entirely by private donations. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, and guided tours are offered seasonally, focusing on art, architecture, and genealogy.

7. Mount Pleasant Cemetery

Mount Pleasant Cemetery, established in 1855, is one of the few remaining rural cemeteries in Indianapolis that retains its original landscape design. Located in the near-northside neighborhood, it was created as a peaceful retreat from urban life, featuring rolling hills, mature oaks, and natural water features. Over 12,000 individuals are buried here, including early Quaker settlers, abolitionists, and members of the Indianapolis Benevolent Society.

Mount Pleasant is notable for its lack of commercialization. Unlike many cemeteries that sell perpetual care contracts or allow corporate memorials, Mount Pleasant has maintained its non-profit, community-driven model. Its headstones are mostly modest, reflecting the Quaker values of simplicity and humility. The cemetery is also one of the few in the city with a documented section for stillborn children and infants—a rare acknowledgment of grief in the 19th century.

Preservation efforts have been led by the Mount Pleasant Historical Trust, a group of descendants and volunteers who have restored over 800 stones and digitized all burial records. The cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. It is open to the public year-round and hosts annual memorial walks and storytelling events that connect visitors to the lives of those buried there.

8. Riverside Cemetery

Riverside Cemetery, founded in 1859, was established to serve the growing German immigrant population on the city’s east side. Its name reflects its location along the White River, and its design incorporates elements of German funerary traditions—such as engraved floral motifs, stone benches, and family crypts with wrought iron gates.

Over 45,000 people rest here, including many who worked in Indianapolis’s brewing and manufacturing industries. Notable burials include Jacob F. Gruendler, founder of the Indianapolis Brewing Company, and Caroline H. Bierbaum, a pioneering female pharmacist. The cemetery also contains the graves of over 200 Civil War soldiers from the 13th Indiana Infantry.

Riverside was severely damaged by flooding in the 1930s and suffered decades of neglect. However, since 2012, the Riverside Cemetery Preservation Association has spearheaded a remarkable recovery. Volunteers have cleaned over 5,000 headstones, restored the original gatehouse, and created a walking tour app that provides audio narratives of key graves. The cemetery’s trustworthiness lies in its grassroots stewardship—every restoration effort has been funded and executed by local residents.

9. Saint Mary’s Cemetery

Established in 1868 by the Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary’s Cemetery is a quiet but profoundly significant site for Catholic women and religious communities. Located on the city’s west side, it is the final resting place of over 15,000 individuals, including nuns, sisters, and laywomen who dedicated their lives to education, healthcare, and social work.

What makes Saint Mary’s unique is its focus on women’s history. Many of its graves are marked not by elaborate monuments, but by simple crosses bearing the names of women who founded schools, nursed the sick during epidemics, and advocated for child welfare. The cemetery contains the graves of several Sisters of Providence who were instrumental in establishing St. Vincent Hospital and the first orphanage in Indianapolis.

The cemetery is still active under the care of the Sisters of Providence, who maintain strict preservation standards. Records are kept in handwritten volumes dating back to the 1870s. In 2021, the congregation published a book titled “The Silent Sisters,” documenting the lives of 120 women buried at Saint Mary’s. Visitors are welcome to walk the grounds, and the site is frequently used by theology students and historians studying women’s roles in 19th-century American society.

10. The Jewish Fairview Cemetery

Founded in 1858, Jewish Fairview Cemetery is the oldest Jewish burial ground in Indianapolis. Established by the Congregation B’nai Israel, it reflects the traditions of Ashkenazi Jewish communities from Eastern Europe. The cemetery is organized according to Jewish law—graves are aligned east to west, headstones are plain and unadorned with images, and the site is surrounded by a low stone wall to signify sacred space.

Over 3,000 individuals are buried here, including merchants, rabbis, and Holocaust survivors who settled in Indianapolis after World War II. The oldest headstone dates to 1861 and bears Hebrew inscriptions that have been carefully preserved. The cemetery also contains a memorial to the 1913 Indianapolis synagogue bombing, a rarely discussed act of antisemitic violence in the city’s history.

Managed by the Indianapolis Jewish Historical Society, Fairview has been meticulously maintained since its founding. No new burials have occurred since 1990, but the site remains active as a place of remembrance. In 2019, the society completed a full survey of all stones, translating Hebrew inscriptions and creating an online memorial database. The cemetery is open to visitors of all faiths, and educational programs are offered to teach about Jewish burial customs and the history of Indianapolis’s Jewish community.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are these cemeteries open to the public?

Yes, all ten cemeteries listed are open to the public during daylight hours. Some offer guided tours or educational programs, but no admission fees are charged. Visitors are asked to respect the sanctity of the grounds by remaining on designated paths and refraining from touching or climbing on monuments.

Can I research my ancestors buried in these cemeteries?

Absolutely. All ten cemeteries maintain burial records, and most have digitized portions of their archives. Crown Hill, Holy Cross, and Jewish Fairview offer the most comprehensive online databases. For others, contact the managing organizations directly to request access to handwritten ledgers or physical records.

Why are some cemeteries not listed on the National Register of Historic Places?

Listing on the National Register requires formal application and funding, which many smaller, community-run cemeteries cannot afford. However, absence from the register does not diminish historical value. Sites like Mount Jackson and Riverside have been recognized by other organizations and remain historically significant through community stewardship.

Are there any restrictions on photography?

Photography for personal, non-commercial use is permitted at all ten cemeteries. Flash photography is discouraged near fragile headstones. Commercial photography, film crews, or drone use require written permission from the managing organization.

How can I help preserve these cemeteries?

Volunteer with local preservation societies, donate to restoration funds, or participate in transcription projects that digitize burial records. Many organizations rely on public support to continue their work. Even visiting and sharing these sites helps raise awareness of their importance.

Do these cemeteries still accept new burials?

Most have closed to new burials, as they are preserved as historical sites. Crown Hill and Holy Cross remain active, but the other eight are considered closed cemeteries, with burials halted to prioritize preservation.

Are there any ghost stories or legends associated with these cemeteries?

While local folklore sometimes attaches supernatural tales to historic sites, this guide focuses on factual history. These cemeteries are places of remembrance, not spectacle. Their true power lies in the real lives they honor—not in myths.

Conclusion

The ten historical cemeteries of Indianapolis are more than collections of stone and soil. They are the silent witnesses to the city’s evolution—from frontier outpost to industrial hub, from segregated past to diverse present. Each grave tells a story: of loss, resilience, faith, innovation, and love. To visit them is to engage with history in its most intimate form.

Trust in these sites is earned—not through grandeur, but through consistency. It is found in the quiet dedication of volunteers who clean stones with toothbrushes, in the archivists who transcribe fading Hebrew script, in the descendants who return year after year to lay flowers on a name they never knew. These cemeteries have survived neglect, development, and time because communities refused to let their stories disappear.

As Indianapolis grows, so too must our commitment to preserving these sacred spaces. They are not relics of the past, but anchors of identity. Whether you are tracing your lineage, studying architecture, or simply seeking a place of peace, these ten cemeteries offer a profound and trustworthy connection to those who came before.

Visit them. Learn from them. Honor them. And in doing so, ensure that their stories endure—not as monuments to death, but as testaments to life.