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The City of Rochester is gifted with two outstanding cemeteries, the 196-acre Mt. Hope Cemetery and the 123-acre Riverside Cemetery. Mt. Hope is the largest municipal Victorian cemetery, and both cemeteries contain priceless pieces of early funereal art, rare horticultural specimens and breathtaking geological formations. Riverside's rolling landscape was designed to provide serenity.
Mt. Hope provides the final resting place for Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, and many other notable Americans. More importantly, these hallowed grounds are where Rochesterians from all walks of life have been laid to rest since 1838. Here you will find the rich history that is Rochester. Here is where we visit loved ones, capture the perspective of our collective past or simply enjoy a beautiful autumn day.
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History
In 1892, a group of Rochesterians formed the Riverside Cemetery Association to build a cemetery that was particularly accessible to the growing population in the northern part of the city. In 1942, the city accepted ownership of Riverside at the association's request. A few years later a large section of the cemetery was dedicated to our area's war dead.
Today, Riverside withstands the test of time. Unique local legends and heroes are laid to rest within our 123-acre park. That tradition continues as area residents take advantage of our competitive pricing options. Choosing Riverside has become synonymous with true family values.
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Facts
- 123 acres
- 70,000 residents
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Future
The third phase of the mausoleum complex is in the planning stages. Cemetery staff eagerly await the groundbreaking.. Pre-construction discounts are still available for the new Chapel of Peace Mausoleum. This third building will include a chapel to offer families a convenient location for funeral services or quiet reflection..
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History
Rochester was already on its way to outgrowing its downtown church graveyards when a cholera epidemic hit in 1832. City officials began planning a cemetery and purchased the land in 1836. Mount Hope cemetery was dedicated in 1838.
Mt. Hope’s history should not overshadow current operations. Still a quite active cemetery, Mt. Hope maintains its position as the ideal burial location of many Rochesterians. A common myth is that Mt. Hope has no burial space remaining. In reality, Mt. Hope has many burial options, including traditional ground burial, lawn crypts, columbarium niches, and even space for families that choose to build a family mausoleum.
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Facts
- 196 acres
- 14.5 miles of road
- 370,000 people buried there, including Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, John Jacob Bausch and Henry Lomb, Frank E. Gannett, Col. Nathaniel Rochester, Margaret Woodbury Strong and Hiram Sibley
- Currently about 350 interments each year
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Future
The City of Rochester, in conjunction with the Friends of Mt. Hope, has several efforts underway to preserve and restore the cemetery as well as to create opportunities for the public to make use of this cultural gem. Some of these efforts include:
- Computerizing burial records.
- Discovering unclaimed burial space
- Restoring the “New Chapel” at the south entrance
- Restoring the “Old Chapel” at the north entrance
- Creating and promoting events such as concerts, historic re-enactments and art displays.
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