Overgrown and forgotten almost. That’s how many describe Palisades Cemetery. But this peaceful three-acre plot holds a treasure trove of local history. Nestled on the north side of Closter Road its entrance gate hides behind 15 Closter Road.
Palisades Cemetery isn’t just a graveyard it’s a living testament to the lives lived here. It started as the Lawrence family burial ground. That was back in the 1700s. Imagine Mary Lawrence dying in 1774. Her grave is one of the oldest here. Her husband Jonathan the Elder Senior joined her three years later.
Over time the cemetery grew. Neighbors bought plots. The stories etched in the weathered stones are fascinating. Revolutionary War veteran Jonathan Lawrence Jr rests here. His headstone was even restored in 1998. Then there’s Mary Mollie Sneden. She ran a ferry across the Hudson. Her new headstone dates back to 1982.
Nicholas Gesner a farmer teacher surveyor and lawyer kept a diary chronicling life in Palisades. His diary spans from 1829 to 1850. It offers a unique glimpse into the past. A poignant reminder of life’s brevity is Baby Jane Sisco’s grave. She lived only fourteen days. Her stone was moved here in 1974.
The cemetery’s ownership changed hands often. Sam Brown owned it then his son George. Eventually it was sold to Adolfo Luca in the 1960s. Even today plots can be purchased. This quiet place tells countless stories. Stories of farmers blacksmiths and even the first female pastor at the Palisades Presbyterian Church. Faye Hollingshead served from 1975 to 1981.
Palisades Cemetery may seem hidden. Yet it reveals a rich tapestry of lives lived long ago. Take a quiet walk. Reflect on the stories of those who rest here. Remember the past. Appreciate the history. Remember Palisades Cemetery.