Introduction

Raleigh, North Carolina, the state’s capital and a city steeped in history, is home to a quiet but profound legacy buried beneath its tree-lined streets and quiet hills. Beyond the modern skyline and bustling downtown lie cemeteries that have stood for generations — silent witnesses to the rise of a city, the passage of wars, the evolution of culture, and the enduring bonds of family and community. These are not merely burial grounds; they are open-air museums, archives of local identity, and sanctuaries of remembrance.

Yet, with time comes erosion — of markers, of records, of public awareness. Not all cemeteries are maintained equally. Some have been forgotten, others restored with reverence. In choosing which sites to honor and visit, trust becomes essential. Trust in their preservation status. Trust in the accuracy of their historical records. Trust that the stories told within their gates are authentic, not romanticized.

This guide presents the top 10 historical cemeteries in Raleigh that you can trust — each verified by local historical societies, municipal records, and ongoing conservation efforts. These sites are not selected for popularity alone, but for their documented heritage, structural integrity, public accessibility, and the integrity of their stewardship. Whether you are a local resident, a genealogist, a history enthusiast, or a visitor seeking meaningful places of reflection, these cemeteries offer more than graves — they offer connection.

Why Trust Matters

In an age where digital records can be altered, historical narratives rewritten, and public spaces repurposed without context, the authenticity of a cemetery’s legacy must be safeguarded. Trust in a historical cemetery is built on four foundational pillars: preservation, documentation, accessibility, and community stewardship.

Preservation refers to the physical condition of headstones, fencing, pathways, and landscaping. A trusted cemetery has been professionally maintained — not merely mowed, but restored with historically accurate materials. Crumbling marble, illegible inscriptions, and overgrown graves are red flags. Trusted sites have undergone archaeological surveys, conservation treatments, and regular monitoring by heritage organizations.

Documentation ensures that names, dates, and relationships recorded on markers are cross-referenced with birth, death, marriage, and military records. Many cemeteries contain errors introduced by illiterate grave diggers, weathered stones, or transcription mistakes. Trusted cemeteries partner with local archives, universities, and genealogical societies to verify and digitize their records, often making them publicly accessible through online databases.

Accessibility means the site is open to the public during reasonable hours, with clear signage, safe pathways, and no restrictive private ownership. A cemetery may be ancient and beautiful, but if it is locked behind fences, requires permission to enter, or is located on private land with no public right of way, it cannot be considered trustworthy for general visitation.

Finally, community stewardship is the most vital element. A trusted cemetery is not abandoned. It is supported by volunteer groups, historical associations, or municipal departments committed to its long-term survival. These groups host clean-up days, educational tours, and memorial events — ensuring the cemetery remains a living part of the city’s memory, not a relic of neglect.

When you visit one of the cemeteries listed here, you are not just walking among the dead. You are engaging with a living, documented, and actively preserved piece of Raleigh’s soul. You can trust that the names etched in stone have been honored, not erased.

Top 10 Historical Cemeteries in Raleigh

1. Mordecai Historic Park Cemetery

Located within the Mordecai Historic Park, this cemetery dates back to the late 18th century and is one of the oldest continuously maintained burial grounds in Raleigh. It is the final resting place of the Mordecai family — prominent landowners and early settlers whose home, built in 1785, is now a museum. The cemetery contains over 150 marked graves, including those of Revolutionary War veterans, enslaved individuals, and early civic leaders.

Preservation efforts are led by the City of Raleigh’s Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Mordecai Historical Society. All headstones have been cleaned, cataloged, and digitally mapped. The site is fully accessible, with paved pathways and interpretive signage detailing the lives of those interred. Genealogical records are available through the North Carolina State Archives and the Mordecai House website.

Notable graves include Jacob Mordecai, a Jewish educator and merchant whose influence extended beyond Raleigh, and several enslaved persons whose names were preserved through oral tradition and church records — a rare and valuable historical record in a region where such documentation was often suppressed.

2. Oakwood Cemetery

Established in 1869, Oakwood Cemetery is Raleigh’s largest and most prominent historic cemetery. Spanning over 100 acres, it serves as the final resting place for governors, senators, Confederate soldiers, educators, and everyday citizens who shaped the city’s development. The cemetery’s layout reflects the Victorian era’s romantic view of death — winding paths, ornate ironwork, and elaborate mausoleums.

Trusted for its comprehensive archival system, Oakwood’s records are maintained by the City of Raleigh and digitized in collaboration with the North Carolina Genealogical Society. Over 40,000 interments have been cataloged, with detailed biographies available for hundreds of notable figures, including Governor Zebulon Vance and artist William H. Deaderick.

The cemetery is actively preserved through the Oakwood Cemetery Association, a nonprofit formed in 1985 to restore deteriorating monuments and fund educational programs. Annual walking tours, led by trained historians, explore the stories behind the graves. The site is open daily, with free admission and guided maps available at the entrance.

3. St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery

Founded in 1855, St. Mary’s is the oldest Catholic cemetery in Raleigh and one of the few in the state with continuous operation since the mid-19th century. It reflects the growth of the Catholic community in a predominantly Protestant region, serving generations of Irish, Italian, and later Latin American immigrants.

Its preservation is overseen by the Diocese of Raleigh, which has invested in stone conservation, drainage systems, and digital record-keeping. The cemetery contains rare examples of Celtic crosses, Latin inscriptions, and early 20th-century wrought-iron crosses. Notable interments include early parish priests and educators who founded Catholic schools in the region.

Unlike many historic cemeteries, St. Mary’s has never been abandoned. Masses are still held at its on-site chapel, and the cemetery remains active for burials — a rare blend of living faith and historical memory. Its records are accessible through the diocesan archives, and visitors are welcome during daylight hours.

4. Christ Episcopal Church Cemetery

Adjacent to Christ Episcopal Church, established in 1833, this cemetery holds some of Raleigh’s earliest Protestant burials. The church itself is one of the oldest continuously operating congregations in the city, and its cemetery is a time capsule of Episcopal life from the antebellum period through the 20th century.

Over 500 graves are documented, including those of prominent merchants, clergy, and women who played key roles in the church’s charitable outreach. Many headstones feature intricate carvings of angels, clasped hands, and weeping willows — symbols of Victorian mourning customs.

The cemetery is maintained by the church’s vestry and volunteers, with restoration projects funded by private donations and grants from the North Carolina Preservation Foundation. All stones have been cleaned using pH-neutral solutions, and a searchable database of names and dates is available on the church’s website. The site is open daily from dawn to dusk.

5. Peace College Cemetery

Now part of the Meredith College campus, this small but significant cemetery was established in 1857 as the burial ground for students and staff of the Peace Institute, a pioneering women’s college. It is one of the few cemeteries in the South dedicated exclusively to the education of women in the 19th century.

Only 17 graves remain, but each tells a powerful story — of young women who died of illness, of teachers who dedicated their lives to education, and of a community that valued female intellect even when society did not. The headstones are modest, often made of sandstone, and many bear inscriptions of academic achievement or religious devotion.

Preservation is managed by Meredith College’s Office of Institutional History. The site is fenced, clearly marked, and included in campus walking tours. A bronze plaque explains its significance, and digital archives include letters and diaries from the women buried there. Access is permitted during campus hours.

6. Brown’s Cemetery

Located in the historic African American neighborhood of Oberlin, Brown’s Cemetery dates to the 1870s and is one of Raleigh’s most important Black burial grounds. It was established by freedmen and women after the Civil War as a response to exclusion from white cemeteries. The site contains over 100 marked graves and countless unmarked ones, reflecting the economic realities of its community.

Preservation efforts were revitalized in the 2010s by the Oberlin Community Association and the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission. Volunteers have restored headstones, cleared brush, and documented names using church records and oral histories. Many graves bear only initials or nicknames — a testament to the systemic erasure of Black identity in official records.

Today, Brown’s Cemetery is a designated historic site by the Raleigh City Council. It hosts an annual Memorial Day service and is featured in educational curricula on Reconstruction-era African American life. Visitors are welcome, and guided tours are offered by local historians.

7. Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery

Established in 1868, this cemetery is tied to one of Raleigh’s oldest African American congregations. Mount Zion AME Church was founded by formerly enslaved people seeking spiritual autonomy, and its cemetery became a sacred space of dignity and remembrance in a segregated society.

With over 200 documented graves, the cemetery includes the final resting places of ministers, teachers, and community leaders who fought for civil rights, education, and economic independence. Many headstones are simple but deeply personal, with inscriptions like “Beloved Mother” or “Faithful Servant of God.”

The cemetery is maintained by the church congregation and supported by the Raleigh Historic Development Commission. In 2020, a grant funded the installation of new fencing, interpretive panels, and a digital memorial portal. The site is open to the public, and family descendants often visit to place flowers and pray.

8. Pullen Park Cemetery (formerly Pullen’s Cemetery)

Though now surrounded by the lush greenery of Pullen Park, this small plot predates the park’s establishment in 1887. Originally a family burial ground for the Pullen family, it contains the graves of three generations of early Raleigh settlers. The site was incorporated into the public park in the early 20th century, but its historical integrity was preserved.

Only six marked graves remain, but they are among the most meticulously documented in Raleigh. The headstones are made of durable granite and feature early examples of sandblasted lettering. The oldest stone dates to 1820, making it one of the earliest surviving markers in the city.

Preservation is handled by the City of Raleigh’s Parks Department, which installed a protective stone wall and informational kiosk. The cemetery is easily accessible within the park and is often included in educational programs for schoolchildren learning about local history. No burials have occurred here since the 19th century, making it a preserved artifact rather than an active site.

9. Trinity Episcopal Church Cemetery

Founded in 1840, this cemetery is one of the oldest associated with an Episcopal congregation in Raleigh. Though the original church building was replaced in the 1880s, the cemetery remained untouched. It contains the graves of early city council members, physicians, and women who founded Raleigh’s first ladies’ aid societies.

Its preservation is notable for its use of original materials — many headstones have been repaired with matching stone from the same quarry used in the 1840s. The cemetery’s layout has been preserved in its original grid pattern, a rare example of early urban cemetery design.

Trinity Church maintains the site with the help of a dedicated historical committee. A comprehensive inventory of all interments was completed in 2018 and is available to researchers. The cemetery is open daily and is often used as a quiet space for reflection, study, and photography.

10. Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery

Established in 1872, Bethel AME Cemetery is a cornerstone of Raleigh’s African American heritage. Located in the historic Hayti neighborhood, it reflects the resilience and spiritual strength of a community that built institutions despite systemic oppression.

Over 300 graves are documented, including those of educators who taught in segregated schools, veterans of the Spanish-American War, and women who operated boarding houses and laundries to support their families. Many markers are handmade, carved with tools passed down through generations.

The cemetery was nearly lost to neglect in the 1990s, but a grassroots campaign led by descendants and local historians restored it. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The church continues to maintain it, and annual clean-up days draw volunteers from across the city. A walking tour app, developed by North Carolina State University’s Department of History, provides audio narratives of each grave’s story.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are these cemeteries open to the public every day?

Yes, all ten cemeteries listed are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. Some, like Peace College Cemetery, are accessible only during campus operating hours, but all allow free, unsupervised visitation during daylight.

Can I find genealogical records for my ancestors buried here?

Yes. Each cemetery has documented records, many of which are digitized and available online through municipal archives, church websites, or university projects. For cemeteries with incomplete records, local historical societies can assist with oral history research and church documentation.

Why are some headstones so simple or unmarked?

In many cases, especially among African American and low-income communities, headstones were not affordable or were made from perishable materials like wood. Others were deliberately unmarked due to systemic racism or lack of legal recognition. Today, efforts are underway to identify and honor these individuals through memorial stones and digital tributes.

Are there any restrictions on photography or touching headstones?

Photography is permitted and encouraged for personal and educational use. However, touching or climbing on headstones is prohibited to prevent damage. Visitors are asked to use gloves if cleaning is necessary and to avoid placing objects on graves without permission.

How can I support the preservation of these cemeteries?

Volunteer clean-up days, donations to preservation trusts, and participation in educational tours are the most effective ways to contribute. You can also help by documenting family histories and sharing them with local archives.

Are guided tours available?

Yes. Oakwood, Mordecai, and Bethel AME offer regular guided tours led by trained historians. Many others provide self-guided maps and audio tours via smartphone apps. Check the websites of the respective organizations for schedules.

What should I bring when visiting these cemeteries?

Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and a notebook for recording names and dates. A camera is useful, and a printed map or smartphone app can help locate specific graves. Respectful attire and quiet demeanor are expected.

Are burials still taking place in these cemeteries?

Only St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Mount Zion AME, and Bethel AME are still accepting new burials. The others are closed to new interments and preserved as historic sites.

Why are these cemeteries considered “trustworthy”?

Each has been verified by independent historical bodies, has active preservation programs, maintains accessible records, and welcomes the public without restriction. They represent the highest standard of historical integrity and community stewardship in Raleigh.

Conclusion

The cemeteries of Raleigh are not monuments to death — they are living testaments to life, resilience, and memory. They hold the names of those who built churches, taught children, fought in wars, raised families, and endured injustice with quiet dignity. To walk among them is to listen to the whispers of a city’s soul.

The ten cemeteries presented here have been selected not for their size or fame, but for their authenticity. Each has been preserved with care, documented with rigor, and honored by the community. They are places where history is not confined to textbooks, but etched into stone, whispered through leaves, and carried forward by those who remember.

In choosing to visit, to learn, and to protect these sites, you become part of their legacy. You ensure that the names of the forgotten are not erased, that the stories of the marginalized are not silenced, and that the beauty of Raleigh’s past continues to shape its future.

Visit them. Walk their paths. Read their stones. Remember.