Potter's Field (Omaha) facts for kids
The Potter's Field Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska, United States is a special burial ground. It covers about 5 acres (20,000 m²) of land. This cemetery was used to bury people who were very poor or whose identities were unknown. It served the Omaha area from 1887 until 1957.
Contents
A Place for Everyone: History of Potter's Field
Early Burials and Missing Markers
Potter's Field started being used around 1887. Over the next 70 years, nearly 4,000 people were buried there. Most of these graves did not have any markers. This was because the people buried there could not afford regular cemetery plots. They also could not afford headstones for their graves.
Who Was Buried Here?
People who were too poor for other cemeteries found their final resting place here. There is also a belief that Mormon pioneers might have been buried here in the 1850s. These pioneers were from a nearby settlement called Cutler's Park. A list of some people buried at Potter's Field is available online. This list also notes if any remains were moved from the cemetery.
Restoring the Cemetery
The cemetery is owned by Douglas County. However, it became neglected from the late 1950s through the 1980s. It was not well cared for during these years.
A Community Effort
In 1986, a group of volunteers decided to help. They worked hard to clean up and restore Potter's Field. They added a peaceful walkway and a quiet area for thinking. They also created a list of all known burials. This list came from government records and the nearby Forest Lawn Cemetery.
A New Beginning
Potter's Field was officially recognized again in September 1986. Today, the City of Omaha takes care of the cemetery. It is no longer maintained by Forest Lawn Cemetery.
