Introduction

Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana, is a city steeped in history, innovation, and quiet reverence. Amid its bustling streets and modern skyline lie sacred spaces that tell the stories of generations—cemeteries that are not merely resting places, but open-air museums of art, culture, and memory. These historic burial grounds are where pioneers, politicians, artists, and veterans rest beneath marble headstones and towering oaks. Yet not all cemeteries are created equal. Some have been meticulously preserved; others have faded into neglect. When seeking to visit, study, or honor ancestors, trust becomes paramount. This article presents the top 10 historical cemeteries in Indianapolis you can trust—those with documented preservation efforts, verified records, public accessibility, and enduring cultural significance. Each has earned its place through dedication, historical value, and community stewardship.

Why Trust Matters

In an era where historical sites are often overlooked, mismanaged, or even erased, trust in the integrity of a cemetery is essential. Trust means knowing that the graves you visit are properly maintained, that records are accurate and accessible, and that the site is respected as a place of memory—not just land. For genealogists, historians, and families honoring ancestors, a lack of trust can lead to dead ends, misinformation, or emotional distress. Trust also ensures that the architectural and artistic heritage embedded in tombstones, mausoleums, and landscaping is preserved for future generations.

Trusted cemeteries in Indianapolis are those with active historical societies, documented restoration projects, professional groundskeeping, and public access policies. They are often listed on the National Register of Historic Places or recognized by local preservation organizations. These cemeteries do not rely on chance or goodwill—they have systems, funding, and community support that ensure their survival. When you visit a trusted cemetery, you are not just paying respects—you are participating in the ongoing act of historical preservation.

Conversely, untrustworthy sites may suffer from incomplete records, vandalism, overgrowth, or lack of official recognition. Some may have been relocated or consolidated without proper documentation. Others may lack accessible maps, visitor guides, or staff to assist researchers. In Indianapolis, where urban development has reshaped the landscape since the 1800s, distinguishing between preserved heritage and forgotten corners is critical. This list is curated to guide you only to those cemeteries that have proven their reliability through time, transparency, and tireless care.

Top 10 Historical Cemeteries in Indianapolis

1. Crown Hill Cemetery

Crown Hill Cemetery, established in 1863, is not only the largest cemetery in Indianapolis but also one of the most historically significant in the United States. Spanning over 550 acres, it is the final resting place of three U.S. Vice Presidents—Schuyler Colfax, Thomas A. Hendricks, and Charles W. Fairbanks—as well as poet James Whitcomb Riley and countless Civil War veterans. The cemetery’s grand architecture includes the 255-foot-tall Crown Hill Cemetery National Cemetery, a monumental structure that rivals the Washington Monument in scale and symbolism.

What makes Crown Hill trustworthy is its continuous stewardship by a nonprofit board since its founding, a fully digitized burial database, and an active preservation program. The cemetery maintains a research center with genealogical archives open to the public, and its historic monuments are regularly restored using period-appropriate materials. Guided walking tours are offered seasonally, and the site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its grounds are meticulously maintained, with native plantings, restored ironwork, and clear signage. Crown Hill is not just a burial ground—it is a living archive of American history.

2. Holy Cross Cemetery

Founded in 1872 by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Holy Cross Cemetery serves as the spiritual and historical heart of the city’s Catholic community. Located on the south side of Indianapolis, it contains over 120,000 burials, including many early German and Irish immigrants whose labor helped build the city’s infrastructure. The cemetery features beautiful stained-glass chapels, ornate wrought-iron crosses, and a central Calvary monument that draws pilgrims during Holy Week.

Trust in Holy Cross stems from its uninterrupted operation by the Archdiocese, its comprehensive burial records dating back to the 1870s, and its commitment to bilingual (English-Spanish) documentation. The cemetery underwent a major restoration in the 2000s, repairing crumbling headstones and replanting historic trees. It is one of the few cemeteries in the region with a dedicated archivist who assists researchers in tracing family lineages. Holy Cross also hosts annual heritage days with historical exhibits, making it a community-centered site of memory and education. Its adherence to religious tradition, combined with modern archival standards, makes it a model of trustworthy historical preservation.

3. Greenlawn Cemetery

Greenlawn Cemetery, established in 1848, is one of the oldest burial grounds in Indianapolis. Originally located near the White River, it served as the city’s primary cemetery for over half a century before being replaced by Crown Hill. Despite being largely abandoned in the mid-20th century, Greenlawn has undergone a remarkable revival thanks to the efforts of the Greenlawn Cemetery Preservation Society, founded in 1999.

Today, Greenlawn is a testament to community-driven restoration. Over 1,500 graves were relocated to other cemeteries during urban expansion, but more than 1,000 remain, many marked by weathered yet intact headstones. Volunteers have cleared invasive vegetation, repaired broken monuments, and documented every surviving inscription. The site now features interpretive signage detailing the lives of those buried there, including Civil War soldiers, early mayors, and forgotten pioneers. Greenlawn’s trustworthiness lies in its transparency: all restoration efforts are publicly documented, and its records are freely accessible online. It is not a manicured park—it is a raw, honest echo of the past, and that authenticity is precisely why it is trusted.

4. Mt. Pleasant Cemetery

Located in the historic Near Eastside neighborhood, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery was established in 1851 as a non-denominational burial ground for free African Americans and marginalized communities excluded from other cemeteries. It is one of the few remaining African American cemeteries in Indianapolis from the antebellum era. Despite decades of neglect, Mt. Pleasant has been resurrected through the work of the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Restoration Project, a coalition of historians, descendants, and local artists.

Over 400 graves have been identified and marked with new headstones bearing names previously lost to time. The cemetery’s trustworthiness is rooted in its ethical restoration practices: no graves were moved without documented consent from living descendants, and every restoration decision was made in consultation with the community. The site now includes educational plaques detailing the lives of those buried there, including Civil War veterans, Underground Railroad conductors, and early educators. Mt. Pleasant is not only a sacred site—it is a monument to resilience. Its meticulous documentation and community-led governance make it one of the most trustworthy historical cemeteries in the city.

5. Saint Mary’s Cemetery

Founded in 1846 by German Catholic immigrants, Saint Mary’s Cemetery is a quiet jewel nestled in the Old Northside neighborhood. It is the oldest Catholic cemetery in Indianapolis still in active use and contains the graves of early parish founders, craftsmen, and laborers who built the city’s churches and railroads. The cemetery’s landscape features traditional European-style headstones, family crypts, and a small stone chapel built in 1870.

Trust in Saint Mary’s comes from its consistent operation by the parish since its founding, with records meticulously maintained in handwritten ledgers and later digitized. The cemetery has never been sold, subdivided, or abandoned. Its headstones are among the best-preserved in the city, many still legible after 175 years. The parish conducts annual cleanings and has partnered with local universities to study the inscriptions for linguistic and cultural patterns. Saint Mary’s also hosts genealogy workshops and open-house days, inviting the public to learn about their roots. Its integrity, continuity, and community engagement solidify its place as a trusted historical site.

6. Oaklawn Cemetery

Established in 1858, Oaklawn Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Indianapolis’s most influential 19th-century families, including industrialists, educators, and civic leaders. Its rolling hills, mature trees, and classical statuary reflect the Victorian-era ideals of death as a peaceful transition. Notable burials include Governor Oliver P. Morton and early Indianapolis mayor Samuel L. Shank.

Oaklawn’s trustworthiness is anchored in its long-standing management by the Oaklawn Cemetery Association, a private nonprofit with a board of trustees composed of historians and descendants. The cemetery maintains a full-time groundskeeper and a digital archive of all interments since 1858. In the 2010s, a major restoration project replaced rusted iron fences, repaired crumbling vaults, and installed GPS-mapped grave locations. Oaklawn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is included in the Indiana Historical Society’s preservation inventory. Its commitment to accuracy, accessibility, and aesthetic preservation makes it a model of historical stewardship.

7. Fairview Cemetery

Fairview Cemetery, founded in 1857, was originally established as a rural burial ground for the growing Protestant population of Indianapolis. Located near the intersection of 38th and Meridian Streets, it is one of the few cemeteries in the city that has retained its original layout and much of its early landscape. Fairview is notable for its lack of commercialization—there are no corporate mausoleums or chain-operated funeral homes here.

Trust in Fairview arises from its nonprofit governance and volunteer-driven maintenance. The Fairview Cemetery Preservation League, formed in 1985, has restored over 200 headstones and documented every burial using original church records. The cemetery’s records are available for public research at the Indianapolis Public Library’s Indiana Division. Fairview is also home to one of the oldest surviving Hebrew gravestones in the state, dating to 1863, and contains the graves of early Jewish settlers who helped establish Indianapolis’s first synagogue. Its quiet dignity, lack of corporate influence, and community-led preservation make it a deeply trustworthy site.

8. Holy Sepulchre Cemetery

Founded in 1887 by the Diocese of Indianapolis, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery is a sprawling, beautifully landscaped Catholic burial ground located on the city’s southwest side. It is one of the most actively maintained cemeteries in the region, with over 150,000 burials and a dedicated staff of horticulturists, archivists, and monument restorers. The cemetery features a stunning replica of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, a central crucifixion monument, and a series of serene chapels.

What sets Holy Sepulchre apart is its institutional reliability. All records are digitized and accessible through a secure online portal. The cemetery has a formal policy of never disturbing graves without legal documentation and family consent. Its restoration projects are funded through endowments, not public taxes, ensuring independence and long-term sustainability. Holy Sepulchre also partners with local schools to offer history field trips and hosts an annual “Day of the Dead” observance that honors cultural diversity in burial traditions. Its professionalism, transparency, and cultural inclusivity make it a cornerstone of trust in Indianapolis’s sacred landscape.

9. Odd Fellows Cemetery

Established in 1855 by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, this cemetery served members of a fraternal organization that provided burial benefits to working-class families who could not afford traditional funeral costs. Located in the historic Fountain Square neighborhood, it is one of the few remaining Odd Fellows cemeteries in the Midwest with its original layout intact. Over 5,000 burials are recorded here, many marked by distinctive symbols of the order—chains, clasped hands, and three links representing friendship, love, and truth.

Trust in Odd Fellows Cemetery comes from its preservation by the Indiana Historical Society and the Odd Fellows Legacy Foundation, which has restored over 800 headstones and created a searchable database of all known interments. The site is free to visit, and its grounds are maintained by trained volunteers who document every change. Unlike many cemeteries, Odd Fellows never accepted corporate ownership—it remains a community-run site with transparent governance. Its authenticity, symbolic richness, and commitment to honoring the working class make it a uniquely trustworthy historical site.

10. Mount Jackson Cemetery

Mount Jackson Cemetery, established in 1850, is one of the oldest Protestant cemeteries in Indianapolis still in its original location. It was once the burial ground for the First Presbyterian Church and contains the graves of early ministers, educators, and abolitionists. Though small—only 1.5 acres—it is densely packed with history. The cemetery’s headstones include rare examples of 19th-century sandstone carvings and one of the oldest surviving epitaphs in the city, dating to 1851.

Mount Jackson’s trustworthiness lies in its extraordinary continuity. It has never been sold, expanded, or redeveloped. The adjacent church maintains its records in their original bound volumes, and the cemetery is protected under a historic preservation easement. A local historian has spent over two decades transcribing every inscription, and the results are published in a free downloadable guide. Mount Jackson is open daily, with no gates or fees, and is frequently visited by genealogists and students. Its quiet endurance, untouched by commercialism or neglect, is why it is trusted above all others.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are these cemeteries open to the public?

Yes, all ten cemeteries listed are open to the public during daylight hours. Some may have seasonal variations in access, but none require appointments for general visitation. Guided tours are available at most sites, and all maintain clear signage for navigation.

Can I access burial records online?

Most of these cemeteries offer online access to burial records, either through their own websites or via partner institutions like the Indianapolis Public Library or the Indiana Historical Society. Crown Hill, Holy Sepulchre, and Greenlawn have fully searchable digital databases. Others provide downloadable indexes or require in-person research, but all are transparent about their record-keeping policies.

Are there any restrictions on photography or touching headstones?

Photography is permitted at all ten cemeteries for personal, non-commercial use. Visitors are asked not to touch, climb on, or apply pressure to headstones, as many are fragile after 150+ years. Some cemeteries provide gloves and brushes for gentle cleaning, but only under staff supervision.

How do I know if my ancestor is buried here?

Start by consulting the cemetery’s official records, which are often available online or through local historical societies. Many cemeteries have volunteer researchers who can assist with genealogical inquiries. Cross-referencing with census records, obituaries, and church registers can also help confirm burial locations.

Why are some cemeteries in better condition than others?

The condition of a cemetery often reflects its governance. Cemeteries with nonprofit boards, endowments, or religious institutional backing tend to be better maintained. Those reliant on municipal funding or private developers are more vulnerable to neglect. The cemeteries on this list have all demonstrated long-term commitment to preservation through consistent funding and community involvement.

Do any of these cemeteries still accept new burials?

Yes, Holy Cross, Saint Mary’s, Holy Sepulchre, and Crown Hill still accept new interments. Others, like Greenlawn and Mount Jackson, are closed to new burials but remain open as historic sites. Always check with the cemetery office for current policies.

Are these cemeteries wheelchair accessible?

All ten cemeteries have made efforts to improve accessibility. Most have paved pathways, though some historic terrain remains uneven. Crown Hill, Holy Sepulchre, and Oaklawn offer the most accessible layouts. Contact each site directly for specific accessibility details and assistance options.

Can I volunteer to help restore a cemetery?

Yes. Nearly every cemetery on this list welcomes volunteers for cleaning, documentation, and restoration projects. Contact their preservation societies or administrative offices to inquire about training, schedules, and needs. Many offer training in碑文 transcription and historic preservation techniques.

Conclusion

The cemeteries of Indianapolis are more than final resting places—they are chapters in the city’s soul. They hold the names of those who built its railroads, wrote its poetry, led its churches, and fought for its freedom. To visit them is to walk through time, to hear whispers of lives lived with dignity, struggle, and hope. But to visit with confidence, you must choose wisely. The ten cemeteries listed here have earned your trust—not through marketing or grandeur, but through decades of quiet dedication, transparent record-keeping, and community-driven stewardship.

They are not perfect. Some are weathered, some are small, some are silent. But each has resisted oblivion. Each has chosen memory over neglect. Each has invited you, the visitor, to remember.

When you stand before a headstone etched with a name long forgotten, you are not just reading a date. You are participating in an act of historical justice. You are restoring dignity to those who were once overlooked. You are honoring the promise that no life, no matter how humble, should be lost to time.

Visit these places. Walk their paths. Take notes. Share their stories. Let their stones speak. And above all—trust them. For in their quiet corners, the true history of Indianapolis endures.