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Our Locations

The Erie Cemetery Association oversees three historic cemeteries in Erie: Erie Cemetery, Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery, and Laurel Hill Cemetery. Established in 1851, Erie Cemetery spans 75 acres developed in the heart of the city. Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery, dedicated in 1932, offers 100 acres of natural beauty. Laurel Hill Cemetery, expanded post-World War II, now covers 125 acres, maintaining its picturesque legacy.

Erie Cemetery

Dedicated in 1851, Erie Cemetery originated from the voice of local citizens in search of “providing a spot suitable and large enough to answer the purposes of a burying place for all.” 

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Over the years, the 75 acre property known as Erie Cemetery has seen a great deal of development including the creation of a proper iron gateway entrance in 1867. Other improvements have included the extension of iron fencing, walkways, and new foliage making Erie Cemetery more than just a pleasant place to visit — it has become a visual and recreational asset for the entire community.

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Laurel Hill Cemetery

With the rapid growth of Erie’s south and west suburbs following World War II, the need for future burial space was again brought to light to those managing Erie and Wintergreen Gorge Cemeteries. Fortunately, this projection coincided with the availability of an existing west side cemetery — Laurel Hill.

Laurel Hill had been founded in 1928 on land had been in the Love family for generations, and was still being farmed. Named for a strand of laurel trees lining the property, Laurel Hill Cemetery eventually grew from 36 acres to more than 125 acres.

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Wintergreen George Cemetery

By 1928, it was recommended to the managers of Erie Cemetery that more space would eventually be needed. In search of more than 100 acres of land that could be used for development, managers eventually purchased Wintergreen Gulch Farm, known today as Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.

With its beautiful greenery, natural waterways and winding paths, the property located just east of Erie was the perfect choice. It didn’t take long to pique public interest in the new cemetery as just hours after being dedicated in 1932, thousands of people toured the grounds.

This cemetery is also home to the Behrend Chappel which is dedicated to Warren Behrend, son of Ernst and Mary Behrend. Today, many people still find serenity in visiting the tranquil grounds of Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.

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