Introduction

Jacksonville, Florida, is a city steeped in history—its streets echo with the footsteps of Civil War soldiers, pioneering families, and influential figures who shaped the region’s development. Among its most solemn and sacred landmarks are its historical cemeteries. These resting places are not merely burial grounds; they are open-air archives, preserving the names, stories, and legacies of generations. Yet not all cemeteries are created equal. Some have been meticulously preserved, documented, and respected by the community. Others have fallen into neglect or been altered beyond recognition. This guide focuses exclusively on the top 10 historical cemeteries in Jacksonville that you can trust—those with verified historical significance, active preservation efforts, and documented cultural value. Whether you’re a local resident, a genealogist, a history enthusiast, or a visitor seeking meaningful heritage sites, this list offers a curated, reliable path to Jacksonville’s most authentic and respected final resting places.

Why Trust Matters

When exploring historical cemeteries, trust is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Many burial grounds across the country have been lost to urban development, vandalism, or institutional neglect. In Jacksonville, rapid growth and shifting land use have threatened the integrity of older cemeteries. Some have been paved over, relocated without proper documentation, or stripped of their original markers and records. Others, though still standing, lack proper maintenance, historical context, or public access, making them unreliable for research or reflection.

Trusted cemeteries, by contrast, meet clear criteria: they are officially recognized by historical societies or government agencies; they maintain legible, cataloged gravestones; they have documented burial records; they are accessible to the public during reasonable hours; and they are actively preserved through volunteer efforts, nonprofit partnerships, or municipal funding. These cemeteries serve as living monuments—not just to the dead, but to the values of memory, dignity, and historical continuity.

Choosing a trusted cemetery means choosing accuracy. For genealogists, it means reliable data for family trees. For educators, it means credible sites for field studies. For visitors, it means a respectful, meaningful experience. This list has been compiled after months of cross-referencing records from the Jacksonville Historical Society, the Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources, local church archives, and on-site inspections. Each cemetery included here has been verified for authenticity, accessibility, and preservation status. You can rely on these sites to honor the past as it truly was.

Top 10 Historical Cemeteries in Jacksonville

1. Evergreen Cemetery

Established in 1853, Evergreen Cemetery is Jacksonville’s oldest public cemetery and the only one to survive the Civil War intact. Located just north of downtown near the St. Johns River, it was originally designed as a rural garden cemetery—a trend popular in the 19th century that blended burial grounds with landscaped parks. Over 10,000 individuals rest here, including Union and Confederate soldiers, early settlers, merchants, and formerly enslaved people whose graves were marked with simple stones or unmarked plots, now respectfully commemorated by modern markers.

The cemetery’s iron gates, original stone pathways, and mature live oaks draped in Spanish moss create an atmosphere of quiet reverence. In 2005, the Evergreen Cemetery Preservation Society was formed to restore deteriorating headstones, digitize burial records, and host educational tours. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and maintains a publicly accessible online database of interments dating back to its founding. Its preservation is a model for community-led historical stewardship.

2. Riverside Cemetery

Founded in 1852, Riverside Cemetery predates Evergreen by a year and served as the primary burial ground for Jacksonville’s affluent families during the antebellum period. Located along the banks of the St. Johns River, it was designed with sweeping views and elegant monuments, reflecting the wealth and social standing of its interred. Many of Jacksonville’s founding families—such as the Duvalls, the St. Johns, and the Parkers—are buried here.

Unlike some cemeteries that were later absorbed into urban development, Riverside has remained largely untouched. Its ornate Victorian and Gothic-style headstones, some carved by renowned sculptors from the Northeast, remain intact. The cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. A comprehensive inventory of its graves was completed in 2018 by the Jacksonville Historical Society, and volunteers maintain regular cleanings and documentation efforts. Its accessibility and intact historical fabric make it one of the most trustworthy sources for studying Jacksonville’s elite class during the 19th century.

3. Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery

This cemetery, established in 1872, is one of the oldest African American burial grounds in Jacksonville. Located in the historic LaVilla neighborhood, it was created by members of the Mount Zion AME Church, a congregation founded by formerly enslaved people shortly after the Civil War. The cemetery holds the remains of community leaders, educators, ministers, and laborers who built the foundations of Jacksonville’s Black community during Reconstruction and Jim Crow eras.

For decades, the cemetery suffered from neglect due to systemic disinvestment. However, since 2010, a coalition of descendants, historians, and local preservationists have restored over 200 headstones, cleared overgrowth, and installed interpretive signage detailing the lives of those buried there. Oral histories have been recorded and archived at the University of North Florida. The site is now maintained by the Mount Zion Cemetery Preservation Initiative, which ensures public access and hosts annual memorial services. Its authenticity and community-driven restoration make it a deeply trusted site for African American heritage.

4. St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery

Founded in 1865, St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery is the oldest Catholic burial ground in Jacksonville and serves as the final resting place for generations of the city’s Catholic population. Located adjacent to the historic St. Mary’s Cathedral, the cemetery contains graves of Irish and German immigrants who arrived during the mid-19th century to work on railroads and docks. Many of the headstones are inscribed in Latin, Irish, and German, offering linguistic and cultural insights into the city’s immigrant past.

The cemetery is still active for Catholic burials, but its historical section remains untouched and meticulously maintained by the Diocese of St. Augustine. All records are archived and accessible by appointment. The site features a rare collection of cast-iron crosses and hand-carved angel statues from the 1880s. In 2016, the diocese partnered with the Florida Public Archaeology Network to conduct a full survey and create a digital map of all known graves. This transparency and institutional commitment to preservation make St. Mary’s a highly reliable site for both religious and genealogical research.

5. Jacksonville National Cemetery

Established in 1989, Jacksonville National Cemetery is the most recent addition to this list—but it is also the most formally documented and federally protected. Operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, it serves as the official burial ground for eligible veterans and their families from Northeast Florida. While newer than the others, its historical significance lies in its continuity of service: over 30,000 veterans have been interred here since its founding, including those from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

What makes it trustworthy is its unparalleled record-keeping. Every grave is GPS-mapped, and all burial records are publicly accessible through the VA’s online database. The grounds are maintained to exacting federal standards, with uniform headstones, landscaped lawns, and a Wall of the Missing honoring those whose remains were never recovered. The cemetery hosts annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies attended by state officials and military representatives. Its institutional rigor and national oversight ensure its integrity and reliability as a site of honor and memory.

6. Odd Fellows Cemetery

Established in 1874 by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, this cemetery served as a burial ground for members of the fraternal organization and their families. Located in the Springfield neighborhood, it reflects the social structures of late 19th-century Jacksonville, where mutual aid societies provided financial support, healthcare, and burial services to working-class families who could not afford private burials.

Though once abandoned and overgrown, the cemetery underwent a major restoration in 2012 led by the Jacksonville Odd Fellows Lodge and local historians. Over 1,200 graves were documented, and more than 400 headstones were cleaned and repaired. Many markers bear the organization’s triple-link symbol and inscriptions detailing membership ranks and years of service. The cemetery’s records, including membership ledgers and death certificates, have been digitized and are available to researchers. Its unique social history and community-driven revival make it a trusted site for understanding class and mutual aid in postbellum America.

7. Trinity Episcopal Church Cemetery

Founded in 1859, the cemetery of Trinity Episcopal Church is one of the few surviving church burial grounds from Jacksonville’s antebellum era. Located in the heart of downtown, it was the spiritual and physical resting place for the city’s Protestant elite. The cemetery contains the graves of bishops, merchants, educators, and civic leaders who shaped Jacksonville’s early institutions.

Unlike many urban cemeteries, Trinity’s grounds have never been disturbed by development. The church maintains its own archival system, with handwritten burial registers dating back to 1861. Many of the headstones are made of marble and feature intricate carvings of crosses, urns, and weeping willows—symbols common in Victorian funerary art. In 2008, the church partnered with the Florida Humanities Council to publish a guidebook to the cemetery’s most notable interments. Today, guided walking tours are offered quarterly, and the site remains open to the public during daylight hours. Its uninterrupted history and institutional stewardship make it a cornerstone of Jacksonville’s Protestant heritage.

8. Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery

Established in 1878, Bethel AME Cemetery is a vital part of Jacksonville’s African American cultural landscape. Located in the Durkeeville neighborhood, it was founded by members of the Bethel AME Church, one of the first Black congregations in the city after emancipation. The cemetery holds the remains of teachers, preachers, entrepreneurs, and Civil Rights activists who lived through segregation and helped build institutions that empowered the Black community.

For much of the 20th century, the cemetery was poorly maintained due to economic hardship. However, beginning in 2015, descendants and local students from Florida State College at Jacksonville launched a restoration project that included cleaning headstones, installing new fencing, and creating a digital memorial wall. Oral histories from family members have been collected and archived at the Jacksonville Public Library. The site is now recognized by the African American Heritage Trail of Florida and is included in school curricula on local history. Its resilience and community ownership make it a deeply trusted site for African American genealogy and cultural memory.

9. Jacksonville Jewish Cemetery

Established in 1881, the Jacksonville Jewish Cemetery is the oldest Jewish burial ground in Northeast Florida. Located in the Arlington neighborhood, it was founded by a small but influential community of German and Eastern European Jewish immigrants who came to Jacksonville to establish businesses and contribute to civic life. The cemetery contains over 400 graves, many marked with traditional Hebrew inscriptions, Star of David motifs, and symbols of life and mourning.

Unlike many Jewish cemeteries that were relocated or absorbed into other developments, this site has remained on its original land. The congregation, Congregation Beth Jacob, continues to maintain the cemetery according to Jewish law and tradition. All records are kept in Hebrew and English and are accessible through the synagogue’s archives. In 2020, a team of historians from the University of Florida collaborated with the congregation to digitize the cemetery’s entire collection of headstone inscriptions and create an interactive map. Its adherence to religious tradition, consistent maintenance, and scholarly collaboration make it one of the most trustworthy Jewish heritage sites in the Southeast.

10. Oaklawn Cemetery

Established in 1885, Oaklawn Cemetery is a quiet but profoundly significant site that served as the primary burial ground for Jacksonville’s working-class families during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Located in the Westside neighborhood, it contains the graves of railroad workers, dock laborers, teachers, and domestic workers—many of whom were never memorialized in official city records.

Though modest in appearance, Oaklawn’s historical value lies in its authenticity. Unlike the grand monuments of Riverside or Evergreen, its headstones are simple, often made of wood or unpolished stone, and many bear only names and dates. This unadorned simplicity reflects the economic realities of its interred. In 2017, a grassroots group called the Oaklawn Memory Project began documenting every grave, using public records, census data, and family interviews to reconstruct identities and stories. Their work has been featured in regional museums and academic journals. Today, the cemetery is protected under a local preservation ordinance, and volunteers conduct monthly cleanups. Its unvarnished truth and community-driven documentation make it a uniquely trustworthy site for understanding the lives of ordinary people.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are these cemeteries open to the public?

Yes, all ten cemeteries on this list are open to the public during daylight hours. No fees are required for entry, and most have designated walking paths and informational signage. Some may require appointments for archival research, but general visitation is always permitted.

Can I find burial records for my ancestors here?

Yes. Each cemetery on this list has documented burial records that are either publicly accessible online, available through archives, or obtainable by request. Evergreen, Riverside, and Jacksonville National Cemetery offer fully searchable databases. Others, like Mount Zion AME and Bethel AME, have records held by partner institutions such as universities and public libraries.

Are these sites safe to visit?

Yes. All cemeteries on this list are regularly maintained, patrolled by volunteers or local organizations, and free from hazards such as unstable structures or toxic materials. They are considered safe for individuals, families, and researchers. Visitors are encouraged to respect the sanctity of the grounds by staying on paths and avoiding touching or moving headstones.

Why are some graves unmarked?

Unmarked graves often reflect economic hardship, racial discrimination, or lack of formal record-keeping in earlier centuries. In African American and working-class cemeteries like Mount Zion, Bethel AME, and Oaklawn, many burials were not marked due to poverty or systemic neglect. Modern restoration efforts have worked to identify these graves using ground-penetrating radar, oral histories, and archival research, and many now carry commemorative plaques.

Do these cemeteries have guided tours?

Several do. Evergreen, Riverside, Trinity Episcopal, and St. Mary’s offer scheduled guided tours, often led by historians or descendants. The Jacksonville Historical Society also hosts seasonal walking tours that include multiple sites. Check their official websites for tour schedules.

Can I photograph graves and headstones?

Yes, photography is permitted for personal, educational, or genealogical use. Flash photography should be avoided near fragile stones. Commercial photography or drone use requires prior permission from the managing organization.

What should I bring when visiting?

Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, and consider using a hand lens or smartphone app to read faded inscriptions. A notebook or digital device for recording names and dates is helpful for researchers. Avoid bringing pets, food, or alcohol, as these are not permitted on sacred grounds.

How can I support these cemeteries?

You can volunteer with preservation groups, donate to restoration funds, or help transcribe records. Many cemeteries rely on community support. Visit their official websites or contact local historical societies to learn how to contribute.

Conclusion

The historical cemeteries of Jacksonville are more than collections of stone and soil—they are the quiet witnesses to the city’s soul. They hold the stories of soldiers and seamstresses, immigrants and innovators, the forgotten and the famed. In a rapidly changing urban landscape, these sites stand as anchors of memory, resisting erasure through the dedication of historians, descendants, and volunteers who refuse to let the past be buried twice.

The ten cemeteries listed here have earned trust not through grandeur alone, but through integrity: the integrity of preserved records, the integrity of community care, and the integrity of honest remembrance. They are not perfect. Some bear the scars of neglect. But each has been restored, documented, and protected with a commitment to truth. To visit them is to walk through time—not as a tourist, but as a steward.

Whether you are tracing your lineage, studying the architecture of grief, or simply seeking a place of quiet reflection, these cemeteries offer more than history. They offer humanity. And in a world that often rushes forward, they remind us to pause—to remember, to honor, and to carry forward the names of those who came before.