Riverside Cemetery is among the first cemeteries built in Colorado, having been established in 1876. It is Denver’s oldest operating cemetery and is designated as a National Historic District. Over 67,000 people are buried at Riverside’s 77 developed acres.

Some of the notable people buried at Riverside include, Augusta Tabor, Barney and Julia Ford, Sarah Likens, Silas Soule, Owen Goldrick, and all four territorial Colorado governors — John Evans, A. Cameron Hunt, Samuel H. Elbert, and John L. Routt.

Many people visiting this historic cemetery are struck by the vegetation’s condition. Much of the non-native foliage has fallen into disrepair due to loss of water rights.

Having very limited water rights at the location, caring for the numerous non-native trees is simply not possible. With this in mind, the decision had to be made to return it to Riverside’s roots as a prairie cemetery. As the cemetery evolves, native species will replace the high water plants and the land will become what it once was – a prairie cemetery.

By allowing the native, xeric species to grow where the transplants have lived, we will create a more sustainable and natural place for all of us.

Are burials still being made?

Burials and cremations are still being made. Burial plots are not longer for sale; however, cremation bronze inurnments are still for sale, around the flagpole – an excellent placement for veterans and their families.