Restoration of the Western Cemetery of Portland

Portland’s Western Cemetery was the primary burial ground for Portland from 1830 to 1852. It was an early example of the “Rural Cemetery,” with pathways and designed parkland. During the 20th century, it fell into neglect and extreme vandalism, with destruction of stones and landscaping, and was treated as an off-leash dog park. In the last few years, the Stewards of the Western Cemetery have been engaged in a multi-year plan of gravestone restoration and landscaping to restore the cemetery, and have begun offering public tours.