Historic Cemeteries
Historic cemeteries in Orange County, California, offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and pioneer past. These sites, some dating back to the 1800s, are the final resting places of early settlers, war veterans, and influential local families. Surrounded by aged headstones, peaceful landscapes, and native flora, these cemeteries preserve stories that shaped Southern California’s history and growth.
Historic Yorba Cemetery
Located in the neighborhood Woodgate Park, the Yorba Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in Orange County. The cemetery was established on land originally part of Bernardo Yorba’s 13,000-acre Rancho Cañon de Santa Ana, the Canyon of Saint Anne, granted to him in 1834. After his death in 1858, Bernardo’s will deeded property to the Catholic Church containing the San Antonio Chapel and the cemetery. Residents of the Santa Ana Canyon, many of them descendants of pioneering rancho-era families, were buried at this cemetery from 1860 till the cemetery’s closure in 1939.
Anaheim Cemetery
Founded in 1866 it's one of the oldest cemeteries in Orange County and holds a significant place in the history of Anaheim. It was founded by German colonists as a public burial ground, distinct from the existing Catholic cemeteries at the time. The cemetery features the oldest community mausoleum on the West Coast, built in 1914, and is the final resting place for many of Anaheim's early settlers and prominent figures.
El Toro Memorial Park
El Toro Memorial Park, originally established as El Toro Cemetery in 1896 by the El Toro Land and Water Company. Initially, the cemetery was a perk for company stockholders, with plots sold for a dollar each. By 1923, the cemetery had fallen into disrepair, prompting community efforts, including a play, to raise funds for its upkeep. In 1927, Orange County purchased the cemetery for $10, and in 1983, the name was officially changed to El Toro Memorial Park. The park now serves as a final resting place for many pioneers and community members.
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