The beautiful Lancaster Rural Cemetery, located around the northwest corner of Cemetery Road and Broadway, is the oldest cemetery in the Town of Lancaster. It was formed from a plot of land donated in 1808 by Captain James Clark, one of the original settlers of Cayuga Creek Settlement, later to be known as Lancaster. The first burial took place in March 1812 and that site is commemorated by a larg
e marble pedestal with a spherical top. Each pioneer family was expected to give two one-half days to care for the Centre Place as it was originally called. As more land was added to the burial grounds it became apparent that the care needed to keep the cemetery in good condition exceeded that of the volunteers. In 1870 the Lancaster Rural Cemetery Association was formed to ensure the continued care and upkeep of the hallowed lands. The Board of Directors of the Association continues to this day to oversee the continued use and maintenance of the cemetery. The cemetery is the final resting place for many of the original settlers of the area as well as veterans of our nation's wars, and the many families who gave us our Lancaster heritage. The cemetery is also privileged to be the resting place for many Revolutionary War veterans, one of a few in the area. We offer traditional burials, two columbaria for cremated remains, and the beautiful Children of Love Memorial Garden for infants and children.
