Collection: Woodland Cemetery - Des Moines

Woodland Cemetery, planned before Fort Des Moines' incorporation in 1851, began in 1848 when local farmers donated 5 ½ acres. The city of Des Moines took ownership in 1857, and in 1864, expanded it by 36½ acres from land purchased from J.B. Bausman. The cemetery now covers 65 acres, including St. Ambrose Cemetery, which was deeded to the city in 1923. Nearly 40,000 people are buried here, including pioneers like Thomas Casady. One notable feature is the Children’s Monument, honoring infants from a nearby orphanage, many of whom are listed as “unknown.”