Whispers from the past echo through Mount Olivet Cemetery. This isn’t just any cemetery. It’s the only public cemetery in the US established by an Act of Congress. Imagine President Ulysses S Grant signing the bill in 1874. He approved the use of 20 acres of land at Camp Douglas a US Army reservation. The land would become a final resting place for all regardless of faith.
Mount Olivet Cemetery’s story begins with a disagreement. Bishop Daniel S Tuttle criticized the existing Salt Lake City Cemetery. He wanted a new cemetery. He and others lobbied for a new space. Their efforts led to the creation of Mount Olivet. This unique cemetery wasn’t just for one denomination. It was intended to serve everyone in Salt Lake City.
The first official burial wasn’t until 1877. Before that the land was cleared and prepared. Initially Mount Olivet primarily served non-Latter-day Saints. However it gradually became a place for people of all faiths and backgrounds. Fundraising was inventive. Local baseball teams and theaters donated proceeds to maintain the grounds.
Today Mount Olivet Cemetery is a sprawling 80 acres. It’s a beautiful peaceful place. Many notable Utahns are buried here. Former governors like George Dern J Bracken Lee and Arthur Lloyd Thomas rest here. Even President Franklin D Roosevelt visited to pay respects to George Dern. Other prominent figures include actress Ina Claire car dealer Gus Paulos and philanthropist Sarah Daft.
Deer roam freely among the tombstones. Their presence adds to the cemetery’s unique charm. The cemetery continues to grow. There’s enough space for burials for another 50 to 60 years. The five Christian congregations that manage the cemetery are even planning a columbarium. They remain committed to maintaining Mount Olivet Cemetery as a tranquil peaceful place for generations to come. Their dedication ensures this unique historical site will remain beautiful and serene a lasting tribute to those who rest within its grounds.