Granite Hill Cemetery was founded in 1881 by Ben and Almira Dimmick, and even today is a ways out of town.
The layout is a peaceful series of parallel roads running east and west along Upper River Road. Looking south from the grave sites are the pleasant sheltering mountains that surround our beautiful valley.
There are many pioneers resting here, and a lot of these folks came to Oregon by covered wagon.
We have residents from most wars dating back to the war of 1812. This veteran fought in the war that gave birth to our National Anthem.
It was England's attempt to recapture the colonies after they realized how much they had lost once we gained our freedom. Francis Scott Key was watching the battle in Baltimore Harbor while being held on a British prison ship. Throughout the night, the battle raged as the British fleet bombarded Fort McHenry. When dawn broke, our National Anthem was penned.
One wonders if our veteran, Hosea Brown, was at that battle?
Countless members of our wars are here, from both sides of the war between the states, WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
Graves line the roads and cover the hillsides.
You can tell that cemetery maintenance is difficult to fund in these early cemeteries. As the cemetery ages, and fewer relatives remain to visit grave sites, it is harder on upkeep.
Even though many residents are obviously not receiving visitors, it is a very lovely place. The gentle breezes blow through the lordly trees.
This is one of the most majestic madrones I have seen.
This veteran gave all for his country. The supreme sacrifice. He served in World War II,
and his son gave his life for our country in Vietnam.
Thank you gentlemen, Lest We Forget!
