“Abandoned and almost forgotten.” That’s how one newspaper described the West Farms Soldiers Cemetery in 1908. Today, let’s explore this New York City landmark. It stands at Bryant Avenue and 180th Street in the West Farms section of the Bronx.
The West Farms Soldiers Cemetery is the oldest public veterans’ burial ground in the Bronx. It holds the remains of 40 US veterans. Two fought in the War of 1812. Thirty-five served in the Civil War. Two participated in the Spanish-American War. Two fought in World War I.
The earliest cemetery here was the Lawrence Family Burial Ground. The Lawrence family owned a farm nearby. In 1814, the First Presbyterian Church of West Farms formed. The Lawrences donated land to the church. This included their burial ground. The church also bought more land. A church and graveyard were built on the north side of Samuel Street now 180th Street.
In 1827, John Butler bought land east of the churchyard. He used it for private burials. This became the West Farms Cemetery. It was later renamed the West Farms Soldiers Cemetery. Butler’s son sold the cemetery to Alfred Pettit in 1873.
Isaac Butler bought it in 1882. He wasn’t related to the original owners. His family owned it until 1925. By 1908, the cemetery was neglected. Graves were covered in brambles and litter. One grave was spoiled by cans and bottles.
By 1927, plants grew over the cannons and Civil War monument. Groups like the Boy Scouts helped clean it up. In 1954, New York City took ownership. This happened after a search for the owners. Tony Marotta found a letter referencing a deed to the city. The heirs of previous owners then transferred the property to the city. The Parks Department controls it today.
The church built a new building in 1905. It was on the south side of Samuel Street. The old church became a gymnasium. It burned down in 1948. The new church was named Beck Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Samuel Adams was the first burial here in 1815. He was a War of 1812 veteran. Burials continued until after World War I. Private Valerie Tulosa was the last interment. In 1916, six bodies were moved here from Hart Island.
In 1909, a monument was erected. It featured a bronze Union Army soldier. Three cannons were also placed here. The statue was removed around 1950 due to damage. It was later found and restored in 1959.
In 1977, a plaque honored Mary Bowser. She was a black woman and Union spy. She worked for Jefferson Davis and passed information to Ulysses S. Grant.
The West Farms Soldiers Cemetery stands as a reminder of the past. It honors those who served our country. It shows how communities can reclaim forgotten spaces. This sacred ground is a testament to duty and remembrance.