Gethsemane Cemetery facts for kids
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Gethsemane Cemetery
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 Location in Bergen County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | 360-370 Liberty Street, Little Ferry, New Jersey |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1860 |
| NRHP reference No. | 94000330 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 20, 1994 |
The Gethsemane Cemetery is a special historic place in Little Ferry, New Jersey. It's located in Bergen County, New Jersey, on a small sandy hill. This cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 20, 1994. This means it's recognized as an important historical site in the United States.
What's in a Name? The Meaning of Gethsemane
The name Gethsemane comes from ancient languages. It means "oil press." This name is famous because of a garden in Jerusalem. In that garden, Jesus and his followers prayed the night before Jesus' crucifixion. The cemetery was likely named to honor this important place.
History of Gethsemane Cemetery
The Gethsemane Cemetery first opened in 1860. It was created as a burial ground for African-American residents living nearby. In 1901, seven African-American trustees took over the cemetery. They officially named it Gethsemane Cemetery.
More than 500 people were buried in this small area. The last burial happened in 1924. In 1985, Bergen County started taking care of the cemetery. They also made it a County Historic Site. Today, fewer than 50 gravestones are still standing.
Important People Buried Here
Many people with interesting stories are buried at Gethsemane Cemetery. Here are a few:
- Elizabeth Sutliff Dulfer (died 1880) - She was formerly enslaved. Later, she owned the second-largest clay company of her time.
- Peter Billings - He was a brave veteran who fought in the American Civil War.
- Silas M. Carpenter - He was also a veteran of the Civil War.
