This Michigan Cemetery Is One Of The Oldest In America
I was driving home with my wife Lindsey and went past the Fulton Street Cemetery and she told me she believed it was one of the oldest in the state.
It was established in 1838 which makes it Grand Rapids' oldest remaining public cemetery but it turns out it's not the oldest one in the state of Michigan.
This Michigan Cemetery Is One Of The Oldest In America
After doing some digging here is what I was able to find out.
Michigan's oldest cemetery that is in continuous use is the Gros Cap Cemetery.
The Gros Cap Cemetery is also known as the Western Cemetery.
Gros Cap Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in the United States to be continuously used.
The Historic Gros Cap Cemetery
The cemetery was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1970 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
In the late 17th century, a group of Ottawa Indians settled in the area around West Moran Bay.
The village had, at one time, 1500 people living in it.
The Gros Cap Cemetery was originally adjacent to the tribal village and was used as their burial ground.
As more European settlers moved into the area, the Ottawa population decreased due to further emigration or intermarriage with the arriving settlers.
In 1889, the cemetery was placed under the jurisdiction of Moran Township, at which time the size of the cemetery was reduced and some of the remains reburied within the smaller remaining area.
Take A Tour Of The Gros Cap Cemetery
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