The Union Cemetery, also known as the Bellefonte City Cemetery, had its origins in 1806 when the co-founders of Bellefonte, Pa., James Harris and James Dunlop, set aside what they called, “The Bellefonte Graveyard.” Burials took place as early as that year when Dr. William Harris was the first recorded burial.
In 1856 the cemetery was officially chartered and a five-acre plot was added to the property. The first known burial took place in 1808, and the cemetery was chartered in 1856.
Beginning with five acres on Howard Street, it has expanded over the years to nearly 20 acres. While the above facts are known, how the name “Union” for the cemetery is still debated today. One popular theory is that the six men of Bellefonte united to donate their land for the cemetery. The second theory is that the name was suggested to honor the number of Union soldiers that were interned in the cemetery. The cemetery proved to be progressive for its time as it was racially integrated in 1897 (date being confirmed) which is far before many others.
In 2022, the cemetery is currently 19.6 acres in size and has at least 8,168 internments, including 930 Veterans, among them Medal of Honor recipient George Harris and members of the United States Colored Troop.
The Historic Bellefonte Union Cemetery is managed by a volunteer board of managers of the Bellefonte Cemetery Association, a nonprofit 501c13. Although a private cemetery, it depends on contributions and support from the public.
Learn more at bellefonteunioncemetery.com