The Union Cemetery, also known as the Bellefonte City Cemetery had its origins in 1806 when the co-founders of Bellefonte, James Harris and James Dunlop, set aside what they called, “The Bellefonte Graveyard.” Burials took place as early as that year when Dr. William Harris was the first recorded burial. In 1856 the cemetery was officially chartered and a five-acre plot was added to the property. The first known burial took place in 1808, and the cemetery was chartered in 1856. Beginning with five acres on Howard Street, it has expanded over the years to nearly 20 acres. While the above facts are known, how the name “Union” for the cemetery is still debated today. One popular theory is that the six men of Bellefonte united to donate their land for the cemetery. The second theory is that the name was suggested to honor the number of Union soldiers that were interned in the cemetery. The cemetery proved to be progressive for its time as it was racially integrated in 1897 (date being confirmed) which is far before many others. In 2022, the cemetery is currently 19.6 acres in size and has at least 8,168 internments.
The Soldier's Circle, a ring of graves fenced by a semicircular wall holding the remains of Civil War veterans and funded by the Grand Army of the Republic. The wall was placed in 1908, with concrete work being done by the Bellefonte Lumber Company.
Babyland was an addition made to the Union Cemetery prior to the 1940’s. As its name suggests, Babyland is a section of the cemetery set aside for the burials of infants and young babies. Most of the graves in this area are unmarked. Babyland saw a remodel in the late 1990’s and in the early twenty-first century. The latest remodel was
Babyland was an addition made to the Union Cemetery prior to the 1940’s. As its name suggests, Babyland is a section of the cemetery set aside for the burials of infants and young babies. Most of the graves in this area are unmarked. Babyland saw a remodel in the late 1990’s and in the early twenty-first century. The latest remodel was made possible by donations of materials, equipment, and time given from local firms and businesses. The project was designed and headed by Ray Masters.
The gatehouse is a structure that was formally part of the Union Cemetery property and was originally used by Cemetery Superintendents. It was built in 1859. At the time of its construction, it was built for the cost of $910.00 and done in the gothic revival style. The gatehouse saw many improvements over the years. In 1915 the Belle te
The gatehouse is a structure that was formally part of the Union Cemetery property and was originally used by Cemetery Superintendents. It was built in 1859. At the time of its construction, it was built for the cost of $910.00 and done in the gothic revival style. The gatehouse saw many improvements over the years. In 1915 the Belle telephone was installed, in 1921 an indoor bathroom was added, and in 1947 steam heat came to the property. Over time, the house was no longer used by cemetery superintendents leading it to fall into disrepair. In 1986 it was then sold to the late Robert Gannon who restored this beautiful home.
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