Cataraqui Cemetery

Cataraqui Cemetery is a non-denominational cemetery located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1850, it predates Canadian Confederation, and continues as an active burial ground.[1] The cemetery is 91 acres in a rural setting with rolling wooded terrain, ponds and watercourses.[2] More than 46,000 individuals are interred within the grounds, and it is the final resting place of many prominent Canadians, including the burial site of Canada's first prime minister, John A. Macdonald.[3] The Macdonald family gravesite, and the cemetery itself, are both designated as National Historic Sites of Canada.[4][5][6]

Cataraqui Cemetery
Cataraqui Cemetery
Details
Established1850
Location
927 Purdy's Mill Road
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Coordinates44°15′52″N 76°32′28″W
Size91 acres (0.37 km2)
No. of graves>46,000
Websitewww.cataraquicemetery.ca
Official nameSir John A. Macdonald Gravesite
National Historic Site of Canada
Designated1938
Official nameCataraqui Cemetery
National Historic Site of Canada
Designated2011
Find a GraveCataraqui Cemetery
coffin on carriage
Funeral of John A. Macdonald, Cataraqui Cemetery
stone cross
Grave of John Alexander Macdonald

History

The cemetery charter was created during a special act of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada on August 10, 1850.[7] The Cataraqui Cemetery was incorporated as a not-for-profit, non-denominational, and public resting place.[8] Alexander Campbell served as the first president.[7] Architect Frederick Cornell designed the cemetery landscape.[5] Interments increased quickly when the City of Kingston passed a by-law in 1864, preventing burials within the city limits.[8] The gravesite of John A. Macdonald and family plot were recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada on May 19, 1938.[6] Cataraqui Cemetery as a whole was recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada on July 19, 2011.[5]

Notable interments

Cataraqui Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable persons including politicians, businessmen, humanitarians, and authors.[9] The cemetery contains the war graves of 61 service personnel from World War I, and 84 from World War II.[10] Queen's University owns a section that is reserved for interring the remains of those who dedicate their bodies to education and research.[11]

References

  1. "Cataraqui Cemetery National Historic Site of Canada". Kingston Association of Museums. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
  2. "The Cataraqui Cemetery Historical Plaque". Ontario's Historic Plaques. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
  3. "Cataraqui Cemetery National Historic Site of Canada". The Great Waterway. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
  4. Gerard, Steve (2012-01-17). "Government of Canada Recognizes Historical Significance of Cataraqui Cemetery". Kingston Herald. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
  5. Cataraqui Cemetery National Historic Site of Canada. Directory of Federal Heritage Designations. Parks Canada. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
  6. Sir John A. Macdonald gravesite. Canadian Register of Historic Places. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
  7. "History of Cataraqui Cemetery". Cataraqui Cemetery. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
  8. "Kingston's Cemeteries". Kingston's Lower Burial Ground. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
  9. "Notable People". Cataraqui Cemetery. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
  10. "Kingston (Cataraqui) Cemetery". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
  11. "Cataraqui Cemetery". Queen's Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2018-01-25.
  12. "Sir Alexander Campbell". History & Innovation. Archived from the original on 2018-01-26. Retrieved 2018-01-25.

Further reading

  • Jennifer McKendry (1995). Weep not for me : A photographic essay and history of Cataraqui Cemetery Kingston, Ontario
  • John H. Grenville (2000). An illustrated guide to monuments, memorials & markers in the Kingston area Kingston Historical Society Plaque Committee, Kingston, Ontario, Kingston Historical Society
  • Jennifer McKendry (2003). Into the silent land : historic cemeteries & graveyards in Ontario, Kingston, Ont., ISBN 978-0969718758

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