San Fernando Pioneer Memorial Cemetery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids San Fernando Pioneer Memorial Cemetery |
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San Fernando Pioneer Memorial Cemetery, September 2008
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| Location | 14400 Foothill Boulevard, Sylmar, Los Angeles, California |
| Governing body | City of Los Angeles Dept. of Recreation & Parks |
| Reference no. | 753 |
| Designated | November 30, 1993 |
| Reference no. | 586 |
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The San Fernando Pioneer Memorial Cemetery is a special old cemetery in the Sylmar area of Los Angeles. It was once known as Morningside Cemetery. This historic spot covers about 3.8 acres. You can find it at the corner of Foothill Boulevard and Bledsoe Street.
Contents
History of the Cemetery
This cemetery started in 1874. It was created when Senator Charles Maclay set up the Township of San Fernando. The last known burial here was probably in 1939.
An Old and Unique Cemetery
At first, it was called the San Fernando Cemetery or Morningside Cemetery. It is the oldest cemetery in the San Fernando Valley that is not connected to a specific religion. The very oldest cemetery in the area is the San Fernando Mission Cemetery, which began around 1800.
What Happened to the Graves?
For a long time, people thought over 700 residents were buried here between 1892 and 1939. However, many tombstones were damaged or stolen over the years. Now, only 13 tombstones remain.
In 2010, a special radar survey was done. This survey found only 214 possible gravesites. Researchers have also found nearly 200 death certificates that mention Morningside Cemetery.
Who Takes Care of It Now?
In 1959, the cemetery was considered abandoned. Then, a group called the Native Daughters of the Golden West, San Fernando Mission Chapter #280, took it over. They renamed it the Pioneer Memorial Park.
A Sylmar resident named Edith Reber helped keep the grounds tidy. She led volunteers for many years. In 2002, the Native Daughters gave the cemetery to the San Fernando Valley Historical Society. This group has made many improvements. They added a special brick entrance. Now, the cemetery is open to the public one day a month, on the third Saturday.
Special Recognition
The cemetery is very important to the history of Los Angeles. In 1993, it was named a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. It is also a California Historical Landmark, known as "San Fernando Cemetery."
A Movie Location
Did you know this cemetery was used in a movie? It was a filming spot for the 1959 movie “Plan 9 From Outer Space.”
