Here in Burlington, Iowa, the oldest established cemetery is Aspen Grove, which dates back to 1843. Encompassing an impressive 133 acres of rolling hills, stately trees and winding roads, it's also our largest (and in my opinion, loveliest) cemetery.
In 2022, Aspen Grove was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It's also accredited as part of the Underground Railroad by the National Park Service, and is recognized as a Level 1 arboretum by ArbNet.
A visit to Aspen Grove Cemetery provides a wonderfully peaceful, scenic vista in each of Iowa's four unique seasons, and there are many interesting things to see:
*Special lots, located near the old Corse Street entrance, where veterans of the Civil War, Spanish-American War and World War I are buried.
*The Charles Perkins Monument, which overlooks the nearby train tracks. Perkins was one of the first U.S. railroad tycoons, and locomotive engineers used to sound their train's whistle in respectful salute as they passed his monument.
*Several ornate mausoleums, a few of which I think are rather spooky!
*The quaint, babbling Stone Creek.
*Countless old gravestones with fading epitaphs that are poignant, loving and poetic. One of my favorites: "Remember friends as you walk by/as you are now so once was I/as I am now so you will be/prepare for death and follow me."
Whether you're an avid history buff or just looking for a little peace and quiet during your visit to Burlington, a side trip to historic Aspen Grove Cemetery will serve you well. After all, people have been dying to get in there for 180 years, so it must be worth a look, right?!
