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Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines: A History
The Story Behind an Iconic Woodland Cemetery
Woodland Cemetery was founded in 1848, three years before Des Moines was incorporated as a city. One of the earliest Victorian “garden cemeteries,” its oak tree–covered hills served as the city’s first park. People could be buried at Woodland regardless of race, religion or income. Meet early pioneers like the Younkers, Tones and Neumanns, who immigrated here and started early businesses that withstood the test of time. Veterans from the War of 1812 to the Vietnam War are buried here. Civil War brothers in arms, Black and white, Union and Confederate, lie side by side. Woodland Cemetery is also an official stop on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Woodland volunteers Mary Christopher and Mike Rowley reveal fascinating stories of these departed residents.
Woodland Cemetery was founded in 1848, three years before Des Moines was incorporated as a city. One of the earliest Victorian “garden cemeteries,” its oak tree–covered hills served as the city’s first park. People could be buried at Woodland regardless of race, religion or income. Meet early pioneers like the Younkers, Tones and Neumanns, who immigrated here and started early businesses that withstood the test of time. Veterans from the War of 1812 to the Vietnam War are buried here. Civil War brothers in arms, Black and white, Union and Confederate, lie side by side. Woodland Cemetery is also an official stop on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Woodland volunteers Mary Christopher and Mike Rowley reveal fascinating stories of these departed residents.
192 pages, Paperback
Published April 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 16, 2025
A great book for cemetery buffs & history buffs alike. I have always loved this beautiful cemetery and I really learned a lot. As an aside, if you're ever in Des Moines, Iowa when tours are going on, you should absolutely go.
October 22, 2024
This was such a fascinating and unique read about the people of Woodland Cemetery, not only the famous philanthropists but ordinary people with interesting stories to tell. The historians also did great work in selecting a wide range of stories, from time ranges, different genders, ethnicities and origins. The stories were also told well, with gripping ledes, points of entry with the italicized sentences, and helpful photographs.
I feel like I learned a lot about Des Moines through this, especially in how many people come from other places. As someone who moved to Des Moines only a few years ago, it's really heartening to see how other people made their home here years ago, becoming part of the fabric of the town and being written about years later. It's also fascinating to see the evolution of Des Moines in this, from a smaller town growing to a hub of culture and commerce.
I really enjoyed all these stories, and am grateful for the information provided at the end. The information that the historians provided on the cemetery's upkeep and the volunteer organizations that help with that. This was an excellent read!
I feel like I learned a lot about Des Moines through this, especially in how many people come from other places. As someone who moved to Des Moines only a few years ago, it's really heartening to see how other people made their home here years ago, becoming part of the fabric of the town and being written about years later. It's also fascinating to see the evolution of Des Moines in this, from a smaller town growing to a hub of culture and commerce.
I really enjoyed all these stories, and am grateful for the information provided at the end. The information that the historians provided on the cemetery's upkeep and the volunteer organizations that help with that. This was an excellent read!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews