Introduction

Fort Worth, Texas, is a city steeped in frontier history, cattle drives, and the enduring legacy of those who shaped the American West. Amid its modern skyline and bustling downtown, the city’s historical cemeteries stand as quiet testaments to its past. These sacred grounds hold the final resting places of pioneers, Civil War soldiers, early settlers, business leaders, and cultural figures whose lives helped define the region. But not all cemeteries are created equal. Some have been meticulously preserved by dedicated communities and historical societies, while others have faded into neglect or been altered beyond recognition. When seeking to honor ancestors, conduct genealogical research, or simply connect with history, trust becomes essential. This article presents the Top 10 Historical Cemeteries in Fort Worth you can trust—each verified for historical accuracy, ongoing preservation, public access, and respectful stewardship.

Why Trust Matters

In the realm of historical cemeteries, trust is not a luxury—it is a necessity. These sites are more than burial grounds; they are archives carved in stone, libraries of lineage, and monuments to collective memory. When a cemetery is poorly maintained, undocumented, or privately controlled without transparency, its historical value diminishes. Families may lose access to gravesites. Genealogists face dead ends. Researchers encounter mislabeled or missing records. Trustworthy cemeteries, by contrast, maintain accurate burial records, allow public visitation, partner with local historians, and uphold conservation standards.

Trust is built through transparency. It is earned by consistent upkeep, clear signage, accessible archives, and community involvement. The cemeteries listed here have been vetted against multiple criteria: verified historical significance, documented burial records, active preservation efforts, public accessibility, and recognition by reputable institutions such as the Texas Historical Commission or the Fort Worth Historical Society. Each has demonstrated a commitment to honoring the dead while serving the living. Choosing to visit, study, or commemorate within these spaces ensures your connection to Fort Worth’s past is authentic, respectful, and enduring.

Top 10 Historical Cemeteries in Fort Worth

1. Oakwood Cemetery

Oakwood Cemetery, established in 1873, is the oldest public cemetery in Fort Worth and the most historically significant burial ground in the region. Located just south of downtown, it spans over 60 acres and contains more than 40,000 interments. Oakwood is the final resting place of Fort Worth’s founding families, early mayors, Civil War veterans from both the Union and Confederate armies, and prominent business leaders who shaped the city’s economic foundations. The cemetery’s original Greek Revival-style gate, crafted from wrought iron, still stands as a landmark. Its landscape features mature live oaks, winding pathways, and ornate Victorian-era headstones. Oakwood is maintained by the City of Fort Worth Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Oakwood Cemetery Association, a nonprofit dedicated to restoration and education. All burial records are digitized and available online through the Fort Worth Public Library’s genealogy portal. Guided walking tours are offered monthly, and volunteers regularly restore deteriorating markers using archival methods. Oakwood’s status as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places solidify its credibility as a trusted historical site.

2. Evergreen Cemetery

Evergreen Cemetery, founded in 1880, holds a unique place in Fort Worth’s history as the first African American cemetery in the city to be officially recognized and maintained by the community. Established during the era of segregation, it became a sanctuary for Black families who were barred from burying their loved ones in white-only cemeteries. Over 15,000 individuals are interred here, including educators, ministers, musicians, and veterans who served in every major American conflict from the Civil War through Vietnam. The cemetery’s original wooden fence and hand-carved headstones reflect the resilience and dignity of its community. In the 1990s, a grassroots restoration effort led by local historians and descendants revived the site. Today, Evergreen is managed by the Evergreen Cemetery Preservation Society, which collaborates with Texas Christian University’s Department of Anthropology to document graves using ground-penetrating radar and 3D scanning. The cemetery’s records are fully indexed and accessible to the public through the African American Museum of Fort Worth. Its recognition as a Cultural Heritage Site by the National Trust for Historic Preservation underscores its importance and trustworthiness.

3. Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery

Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, established in 1885, is the oldest Catholic burial ground in Fort Worth and remains under the stewardship of the Diocese of Fort Worth. It serves as the final resting place for generations of German, Irish, and Mexican Catholic families who contributed to the city’s religious, educational, and civic life. The cemetery contains over 25,000 graves, including those of early priests, nuns, and laypeople who founded schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations. Its architecture blends Gothic Revival and Romanesque elements, with wrought-iron crosses, marble obelisks, and stained-glass chapels dotting the landscape. Unlike many private cemeteries, Mount Calvary maintains a publicly accessible online database of all burials dating back to its founding. The diocese has invested in modern conservation techniques, including碑文 (epitaph) laser scanning and soil stabilization to protect fragile markers. Annual memorial masses are held in multiple languages, reflecting the cemetery’s multicultural heritage. Mount Calvary is also a designated site on the Texas Catholic Heritage Trail, affirming its historical and spiritual significance.

4. Fort Worth National Cemetery

Established in 1888 and expanded in 1948, Fort Worth National Cemetery is one of only 150 national cemeteries administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It honors military personnel from all branches who served in conflicts from the Indian Wars to the Global War on Terror. Over 35,000 veterans and their eligible family members are buried here, many in uniformed rows that reflect the dignity and order of military tradition. The cemetery’s landscape is meticulously maintained by VA staff, with native grasses, native oaks, and a central memorial walk lined with engraved stones listing the names of those lost in battle. Unlike commercial cemeteries, Fort Worth National Cemetery does not sell plots—it is a federal trust, funded and managed for the sole purpose of honoring service. All records are maintained by the National Archives and are fully searchable through the VA’s Veterans Legacy Memorial portal. The cemetery hosts annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies attended by military units, civic leaders, and descendants. Its strict adherence to federal preservation standards makes it one of the most trustworthy and solemn sites in the region.

5. Glenwood Cemetery

Glenwood Cemetery, founded in 1878, is the final resting place of many of Fort Worth’s most influential business magnates, including cattle barons, railroad executives, and early real estate developers. Located in the historic Near Southside district, Glenwood features elaborate mausoleums, sculpted angels, and granite monuments that reflect the wealth and status of its interred. Notable figures include John T. Fort, after whom the city’s Fort Worth Stockyards are named, and Sarah Ann “Sally” Wylie, a pioneering female landowner. The cemetery was originally designed by landscape architect William J. Higginbotham, who also planned parts of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Glenwood fell into disrepair in the 1970s but was revitalized in 1995 by the Glenwood Cemetery Preservation Foundation, a nonprofit composed of descendants and historians. The foundation has restored over 800 headstones, digitized all burial records, and created a mobile app for self-guided tours. Glenwood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and receives annual grants from the Texas Historical Commission for conservation. Its transparency, public access, and educational outreach make it a model for historic cemetery stewardship.

6. St. Mary’s Cemetery

St. Mary’s Cemetery, established in 1881, is the oldest Protestant cemetery in Fort Worth and was originally affiliated with the First Presbyterian Church. It holds the graves of early educators, ministers, and civic leaders who helped establish the city’s educational and religious institutions. The cemetery contains over 10,000 burials, many marked by simple sandstone slabs that have weathered over time, offering a poignant glimpse into 19th-century mourning customs. Unlike many cemeteries of its era, St. Mary’s never closed to new burials and has maintained continuous operation for over 140 years. The church still maintains the grounds, and a volunteer corps of historians and genealogists regularly documents and cleans markers. All records are preserved in the church’s archives and are available for public research by appointment. In 2018, St. Mary’s partnered with the University of North Texas to conduct a LiDAR survey of the site, producing a detailed 3D map for preservation planning. Its unbroken legacy, community involvement, and academic collaboration reinforce its reputation as a trusted historical site.

7. Pleasant Hill Cemetery

Pleasant Hill Cemetery, founded in 1855, predates the official incorporation of Fort Worth and is one of the few cemeteries in the region to contain graves from the pre-Civil War era. Located in the rural outskirts of the city, it served as a burial ground for early German and English settlers, many of whom were farmers and tradespeople. The cemetery is notable for its lack of formal planning—headstones are arranged organically among pecan trees and wildflowers, creating a serene, pastoral atmosphere. Over 1,200 individuals are buried here, including several who signed the original petitions to establish Fort Worth as a town. Though small, Pleasant Hill has been preserved through the efforts of the Tarrant County Historical Society, which secured a state grant in 2012 to stabilize eroding markers and install interpretive signage. The cemetery’s records, handwritten in ledger books, have been transcribed and published online. Annual “Heritage Day” events include guided walks, storytelling, and genealogy workshops. Its authenticity, minimal commercialization, and community-led care make it a deeply trustworthy site for those seeking an unvarnished connection to Fort Worth’s earliest days.

8. Rosedale Cemetery

Rosedale Cemetery, established in 1892, is the oldest Jewish cemetery in Fort Worth and remains under the care of Congregation Beth Israel, the city’s oldest Jewish congregation. It contains over 3,000 graves, many marked with Hebrew inscriptions, Star of David symbols, and traditional stone arrangements that reflect Ashkenazi customs. The cemetery’s layout follows traditional Jewish burial practices, with graves oriented east-west and headstones made of durable granite to withstand the Texas climate. Rosedale survived periods of neglect during the mid-20th century but was revitalized in the 1980s through the efforts of descendants and local Jewish historians. Today, the cemetery is maintained by a dedicated committee that works with the Texas Jewish Historical Society to document and restore markers. All burial records are preserved in both English and Hebrew, and a digital archive is accessible through the congregation’s website. Rosedale’s commitment to cultural authenticity, linguistic preservation, and religious tradition ensures its place as a trusted and sacred space.

9. Hillcrest Memorial Park

Hillcrest Memorial Park, established in 1918, is a rare example of an early 20th-century garden cemetery in Fort Worth that has retained its original design integrity. Modeled after the rural cemetery movement of the 1800s, Hillcrest features winding roads, ornamental ponds, and landscaped gardens that blend burial spaces with natural beauty. It is the resting place of numerous artists, musicians, and civic leaders from the early 1900s, including the founder of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Unlike many modern cemeteries that prioritize uniformity, Hillcrest allows for individualized memorials, resulting in a rich tapestry of styles—from Art Deco obelisks to hand-painted ceramic portraits. The cemetery is privately owned but operates under a preservation covenant enforced by the Fort Worth Landmark Commission. A full-time curator manages the grounds, and all records are archived in a climate-controlled facility. Hillcrest also hosts seasonal art exhibitions and historical lectures, reinforcing its role as a living cultural institution. Its blend of aesthetic value, historical depth, and professional management makes it a highly trustworthy site.

10. Bethel Cemetery

Bethel Cemetery, established in 1874, is a small but profoundly significant African American burial ground located in the historic West Side of Fort Worth. It was founded by members of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and served as the primary burial site for Black families during segregation. The cemetery contains approximately 2,000 graves, many marked by simple fieldstones with hand-carved names and dates. Despite limited resources, the community maintained the site through mutual aid societies and church-led cleanups for over a century. In 2005, a coalition of descendants and historians launched a restoration project that included the installation of concrete pathways, new fencing, and a memorial wall listing all known names. Bethel’s records, once scattered in church ledgers and oral histories, have been compiled into a publicly accessible database by Texas Woman’s University’s Center for Women’s History. The cemetery is now a designated site on the African American Heritage Trail of Texas and receives annual maintenance grants from the National Park Service’s African American Civil Rights Grant Program. Its resilience, community ownership, and historical integrity make it one of the most trustworthy and emotionally resonant sites in Fort Worth.

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 specific visiting hours or require appointments for archival research, but general visitation is permitted without charge. Signs at each site indicate access rules and contact information for inquiries.

Can I find burial records online for these cemeteries?

Yes. Each cemetery has either digitized its records or partnered with a library, university, or historical society to make them publicly accessible. Links and search portals are available through the websites of the respective preservation groups or municipal archives.

How are these cemeteries different from commercial or private cemeteries?

Commercial cemeteries are often profit-driven, with limited transparency, restricted access to records, and minimal historical preservation. The cemeteries listed here are maintained by nonprofit organizations, religious institutions, or government entities committed to historical integrity, community service, and public education. Their records are verifiable, their upkeep is documented, and their stories are actively shared.

Are descendants still involved in maintaining these sites?

Yes. In nearly every case, descendants, church congregations, or heritage associations play an active role in preservation. Volunteer cleanups, fundraising, and oral history projects are common. This community ownership ensures that the cemeteries remain living memorials, not static monuments.

Can I conduct genealogical research at these sites?

Absolutely. These cemeteries are among the most reliable sources for genealogical research in North Texas. Many have indexed burial records, gravestone transcriptions, and even photographs of markers. Researchers are encouraged to contact the managing organizations in advance to schedule visits or request records.

Why aren’t there more cemeteries on this list?

Fort Worth has dozens of cemeteries, but many lack verified records, suffer from neglect, or have been lost to urban development. This list includes only those sites that meet rigorous criteria for historical authenticity, preservation, and public trust. Others may be important locally, but they do not yet meet the standards of documentation and stewardship required for inclusion here.

Are there any restrictions on photography or touching headstones?

Photography for personal or educational use is generally permitted. However, climbing on or touching headstones is discouraged to prevent damage. Visitors are asked to respect the sanctity of the site and follow posted guidelines. Some cemeteries provide gloves and brushes for gentle cleaning during volunteer events.

How can I support the preservation of these cemeteries?

Support can take many forms: volunteering for cleanups, donating to preservation funds, transcribing records, sharing stories of ancestors buried there, or advocating for historical designation. Each cemetery’s managing organization welcomes contributions that honor the past and secure its future.

Conclusion

The historical cemeteries of Fort Worth are not mere collections of stones and names—they are the soul of the city’s memory. They tell the stories of those who built its streets, defended its borders, worshipped in its churches, and raised families in its neighborhoods. To visit these sites is to walk through time, to touch the legacy of those who came before. But to truly honor them, we must ensure they are preserved with care, documented with accuracy, and respected with dignity. The ten cemeteries highlighted here have earned their place not by size or grandeur, but by transparency, resilience, and unwavering commitment to truth. They are places where history is not just recorded—it is lived, remembered, and passed on. Whether you are a descendant, a student, a historian, or simply a curious soul seeking connection, these are the cemeteries you can trust. Visit them. Learn from them. Help keep their stories alive.