Pioneer Cemetery
Inscription
South Westnedge Street Park is actually Kalamazoo’s first cemetery. The pioneer leader, Cyren Burdick, and his wife, Mary Ann, in 1833 donated this land as a common burial ground. From this time until 1862 hundreds of pioneer settlers were buried here in what was then known as South West Street Cemetery.
Later an unknown number of bodies were removed to other cemeteries in the village. In 1884, after years of neglect, Kalamazoo’s pioneer cemetery was converted into a park.
Location
Sources
More markers in Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo School Case
Kalamazoo, MI
Near here, in 1858, Kalamazoo’s first high school was opened.
David S. Walbridge
Kalamazoo, MI
Born in Vermont in 1802, David S. Walbridge became one of Kalamazoo’s most distinguished citizens.
East Hall
Kalamazoo, MI
In 1903 the State Legislature provided for the creation of Western State Normal School, the forerunner of Western Michigan University, a...
West Main Hill Historic District
Kalamazoo, MI
Businessman Frank Henderson capitalized on the topography when he platted the West Main Hill neighborhood.
The Upjohn Company
Kalamazoo, MI
The Upjohn Pill and Granule Company was founded on this site in 1886 by Dr. William E. Upjohn and his three brothers—Dr. Henry U.,...