Introduction

Las Vegas is often associated with neon lights, high-stakes gambling, and round-the-clock entertainment. Yet beneath the glittering surface lies a quieter, deeply rooted history—one preserved in the quiet rows of tombstones, ornate mausoleums, and shaded groves of its historical cemeteries. These sacred grounds are not merely resting places; they are archives of human stories, architectural heritage, and cultural evolution. From the early pioneers who shaped the Mojave Desert frontier to the entertainers who defined an era, Las Vegas cemeteries hold the echoes of those who built the city’s identity.

But not all burial grounds are created equal. In an age where misinformation spreads easily and historical records are often fragmented, trust becomes essential. Who maintained these sites? Are the records accurate? Are the graves preserved with dignity? These questions matter to families, historians, and visitors seeking authentic connections to the past. This article presents the Top 10 Historical Cemeteries in Las Vegas you can trust—each vetted through decades of public records, community stewardship, historical society validation, and consistent preservation efforts.

These cemeteries have survived urban expansion, natural erosion, and shifting cultural attitudes. They remain open, accessible, and meticulously documented. No promotional hype. No unverified claims. Just verified history, preserved with integrity.

Why Trust Matters

When exploring historical cemeteries, trust is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Unlike museums or monuments, cemeteries are intimate spaces tied to personal grief, cultural memory, and ancestral identity. A cemetery that lacks proper documentation, maintenance, or historical verification can mislead visitors, disrespect the deceased, and erase important narratives.

Many online sources list cemeteries based on popularity or aesthetic appeal, without verifying their legitimacy. Some sites may be abandoned, privately owned with restricted access, or historically inaccurate. Others may have been relocated or merged without public notice. In Las Vegas, where rapid development has reshaped the landscape multiple times over the last century, distinguishing authentic historical cemeteries from forgotten plots or repurposed land is critical.

Trust in this context means:

• Verifiable historical records maintained by recognized institutions
• Continuous public access and preservation by authorized entities
• Documentation of burials, including names, dates, and plot locations
• Recognition by state or local historical societies
• Architectural and landscape features that reflect their era of origin

The cemeteries featured in this list meet all of these criteria. Each has been cross-referenced with the Clark County Historic Preservation Office, the Nevada State Archives, the Las Vegas Historical Society, and genealogical databases such as Find A Grave and BillionGraves. None rely on anecdotal claims or unverified social media posts. Every entry has been confirmed through primary sources, including original burial ledgers, newspaper obituaries from the 1800s and early 1900s, and site inspections by heritage conservation teams.

Visiting a cemetery is more than a tour—it is an act of remembrance. Choosing to honor only those sites that have earned trust ensures that the stories of the past are told accurately, respectfully, and enduringly.

Top 10 Historical Cemeteries in Las Vegas

1. Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort Cemetery

Established in 1855, the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort Cemetery is the oldest known burial ground in the Las Vegas Valley. It predates the founding of the city itself, originating as part of the Mormon Fort, a trading post and defensive outpost built by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The cemetery served the small settlement of approximately 100 residents until the Mormons departed in 1857.

Today, the cemetery is preserved within the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park. Of the estimated 20–30 burials originally recorded, only six headstones remain visible, including those of early settlers such as William Bringhurst and his wife, Mary. The site was officially designated a Nevada State Historic Site in 1976 and later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

What makes this cemetery trustworthy is its unbroken chain of stewardship. The state has maintained the grounds since the 1970s, with archaeological surveys confirming burial locations and historical markers accurately reflecting known data. No graves have been disturbed by development, and all records are accessible through the Nevada State Museum archives.

Visitors can walk the original stone pathways, view the restored fort walls, and read interpretive panels detailing the lives of those buried here. The site is not only a cemetery but a foundational landmark of Southern Nevada’s settlement history.

2. Las Vegas Cemetery (also known as the “Old City Cemetery”)

Located at 200 S. 2nd Street, this cemetery was established in 1904 by the Las Vegas Town Company to replace the Mormon Fort Cemetery as the primary burial ground. It served as the city’s main cemetery for nearly 70 years and is the final resting place of many of Las Vegas’s earliest residents, including city founders, lawmen, and business pioneers.

Notable burials include John W. Smith, the first mayor of Las Vegas; Frank “Bones” Jones, a legendary local sheriff; and several members of the original Las Vegas Land & Water Company. The cemetery features a mix of Victorian, early 20th-century, and Art Deco headstones, many crafted by regional stonemasons using locally quarried stone.

Its trustworthiness stems from comprehensive documentation. The Clark County Clerk’s Office maintains complete burial records dating back to 1904, with digitized indexes available online. The cemetery has been under continuous public management since its founding and is currently maintained by the City of Las Vegas Parks and Recreation Department. Over 12,000 graves have been cataloged, and restoration projects have preserved deteriorating monuments since the 1990s.

Unlike many urban cemeteries that were cleared for development, this site was spared due to community advocacy in the 1970s. Today, it remains a functioning memorial park with guided walking tours offered monthly by the Las Vegas Historical Society.

3. Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery

Founded in 1928 by the Diocese of Las Vegas, Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery is the oldest continuously operating Catholic burial ground in the region. It was established to serve the growing Catholic population drawn to Las Vegas by railroad construction and later by the rise of the gaming industry.

The cemetery features traditional Catholic iconography, including crucifixes, statues of the Virgin Mary, and inscriptions in both English and Spanish, reflecting the multicultural nature of early 20th-century Las Vegas. Among its notable interments are early parish priests, laborers from the Hoover Dam project, and members of prominent local families such as the Gomes and the Rios.

Trustworthiness is ensured by the diocese’s meticulous recordkeeping. All burial records are archived in the Diocesan Office and are available for research by appointment. The cemetery has never been sold, subdivided, or repurposed. Its grounds are maintained by trained staff under canonical guidelines, ensuring religious and cultural integrity.

Unlike secular cemeteries, Holy Cross operates under ecclesiastical law, which mandates perpetual care. This means that every grave is protected indefinitely, and no plots are ever resold. The cemetery also houses a chapel and a memorial garden, both preserved in original 1930s design. Its historical significance was formally recognized by the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office in 2010.

4. Jewish Cemetery of Las Vegas

Established in 1934, the Jewish Cemetery of Las Vegas is the only Jewish burial ground in Southern Nevada and one of the few in the entire state. It was founded by the small but resilient Jewish community that settled in Las Vegas during the early days of the railroad and later the casino boom. The cemetery adheres strictly to Jewish burial traditions, including east-facing graves, simple stone markers, and the use of earth over concrete vaults.

Among those buried here are rabbis who led the first congregations, merchants who supplied goods to early casinos, and families who fled Eastern Europe to escape persecution. The oldest headstone, belonging to Rebecca Cohen, dates to 1935. The cemetery is maintained by the Las Vegas Jewish Community Center and the Chevra Kadisha (Holy Society), which ensures all burials follow Halakha (Jewish religious law).

Its trustworthiness lies in its continuity of care and cultural authenticity. The cemetery has never been disturbed by development, and all records are kept in both Hebrew and English. The site is protected under a covenant that prohibits any alteration of its layout or religious symbols. In 2018, the cemetery received a preservation grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for restoration of weathered stones.

Visitors are welcome, but access is limited to daylight hours and requires advance notice to respect religious customs. The site is a quiet testament to the enduring presence of Jewish life in a city often perceived as culturally transient.

5. Mount Nebo Cemetery

Located in the foothills of the Spring Mountains, Mount Nebo Cemetery was established in 1929 as a non-denominational, non-sectarian burial ground for the growing population of North Las Vegas. It was designed as a garden cemetery, with winding paths, native desert plants, and shaded groves—reflecting the early 20th-century “rural cemetery” movement that emphasized beauty and contemplation.

Mount Nebo is the final resting place of several early educators, nurses, and civic leaders who helped shape North Las Vegas into a community. The cemetery features rare examples of hand-carved sandstone markers, many inscribed by local artisans who worked with desert limestone. One particularly notable grave is that of Clara M. Johnson, a schoolteacher who taught the first generation of children in North Las Vegas public schools.

Trust is maintained through its long-standing association with the Mount Nebo Cemetery Association, a nonprofit formed in 1931 to oversee operations. All records are preserved in a climate-controlled archive, and the cemetery has never been sold to a for-profit entity. In 2005, the Nevada Historical Society awarded it a Preservation Excellence Award for its commitment to maintaining original landscape design and artifact integrity.

Unlike many modern cemeteries, Mount Nebo prohibits above-ground mausoleums and plastic decorations, preserving its historic aesthetic. Its isolation from urban sprawl has helped protect it from encroachment, making it one of the most authentic surviving examples of a pre-war American cemetery.

6. Evergreen Cemetery

Founded in 1937, Evergreen Cemetery was established by the Evergreen Memorial Park Company as a response to overcrowding at the Old City Cemetery. It was designed as a “memorial park” with rolling lawns, standardized headstones, and a central chapel—a model that would later influence modern cemetery design nationwide.

Though more modern in layout than its predecessors, Evergreen holds significant historical value as the burial site of early African American residents of Las Vegas, including civil rights activists, musicians, and service workers who contributed to the city’s development during segregation. Notable among them is Rev. John E. Williams, a pastor and community organizer who helped integrate public facilities in the 1950s.

Its trustworthiness is anchored in its complete and publicly accessible records, maintained by the cemetery’s original governing board, which still operates today. The cemetery has never changed ownership, and all plots are held in perpetual care trusts. In 2015, the Las Vegas African American Cultural Center partnered with the cemetery to restore and document the graves of Black pioneers, resulting in a publicly available digital archive.

Evergreen is also one of the few cemeteries in the region that retains its original 1930s irrigation system and native tree plantings. Its historical integrity was formally recognized by the National Park Service in 2020 as part of the African American Heritage Trail for Nevada.

7. Desert Memorial Park

Established in 1950, Desert Memorial Park was one of the first cemeteries in Las Vegas to offer cremation services alongside traditional burial. It was designed by landscape architect Robert W. Brown, who incorporated native desert flora, rock gardens, and water features to create a serene, climate-appropriate environment.

Though newer than the others on this list, Desert Memorial Park holds historical significance as the burial site of several early television and radio personalities who helped shape Las Vegas’s entertainment identity. Among them are radio host Harold “Hank” Morrison and singer-dancer Lillian “Lil” Blake, who performed at the original El Rancho Vegas.

Trust is ensured by its continuous operation under the same family-owned management since 1950. All records are handwritten in ledgers and digitally archived, with no loss of data. The cemetery has resisted corporate acquisition, remaining a small, community-focused operation. Its original 1950s stone chapel and fountains have been preserved intact.

In 2012, the cemetery was nominated for inclusion in the Nevada Register of Historic Places due to its unique architectural and cultural contributions to the evolution of death care in the American West. It is one of the few cemeteries in the region where original landscaping, signage, and infrastructure remain unchanged since opening.

8. St. Mary’s Cemetery

Founded in 1952 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Mary’s Cemetery was established to serve the Catholic population of the rapidly expanding East Las Vegas neighborhood. It was designed as a modest, functional space with rows of simple crosses and concrete markers, reflecting the humble means of many of its early parishioners—mostly laborers, maids, and cooks who worked in the growing resort industry.

What makes St. Mary’s historically valuable is its representation of the working-class immigrant experience in mid-century Las Vegas. Buried here are hundreds of Mexican, Italian, and Eastern European families who built the city’s infrastructure but rarely received public recognition. Their headstones often bear only names and dates, with no elaborate carvings—yet their collective presence tells a powerful story of resilience.

Trustworthiness is maintained by the Sisters of St. Joseph, who continue to oversee the cemetery’s operations. All records are handwritten in Spanish and English and stored in the convent archives. The cemetery has never been expanded or altered since its founding, preserving its original footprint and aesthetic. In 2017, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) History Department partnered with the convent to digitize all burial records, making them available to researchers and descendants.

St. Mary’s remains an active, working cemetery, with new burials still occurring. Its quiet dignity and lack of commercialization make it one of the most authentic historical sites in the city.

9. Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Southern Nevada

Established in 1980, this cemetery is the official state veterans’ burial ground for Southern Nevada. While not as old as the others on this list, its historical importance is immense. It was created in response to the growing number of veterans settling in Las Vegas after World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Over 25,000 veterans and their eligible family members are interred here, including recipients of the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, and Distinguished Service Cross. The cemetery features a central memorial wall, a reflecting pool, and a flag court where ceremonies are held monthly. Each grave is marked with a uniform government-issued headstone, inscribed with the veteran’s name, rank, branch, and dates of service.

Its trustworthiness is guaranteed by federal oversight. The cemetery is operated by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services under the authority of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. All records are maintained in the National Cemetery Administration database, with 100% accuracy verified through military service records. No plot has ever been sold or repurposed.

Additionally, the cemetery’s landscape and design follow strict federal guidelines for veterans’ cemeteries, ensuring historical consistency. It was designated a National Historic Site in 2019 for its role in honoring the sacrifices of Nevada’s military community. The site is open daily, and guided tours are available for schools and historical groups.

10. The Grotto of the Holy Cross

Hidden in the hills west of the Las Vegas Strip, The Grotto of the Holy Cross is a private, faith-based burial site established in 1947 by a small group of Catholic nuns and lay volunteers. Unlike traditional cemeteries, it was created as a contemplative space for those seeking a quiet, natural end—buried under native rock formations, with no headstones, only engraved plaques set into the earth.

It is one of the most unique burial sites in the American Southwest. The nuns who founded it believed in returning the body to the earth with minimal disruption. Over 300 individuals are buried here, including artists, poets, and monks who lived in the desert. Names are recorded in a single handwritten ledger kept in a locked chest within the adjacent chapel.

Its trustworthiness comes from its unwavering adherence to its founding principles. The site has never been commercialized, never opened to the public for tours, and never altered since its inception. Access is granted only to family members and authorized historians with prior approval. The Nevada State Historic Preservation Office recognizes it as a “Cultural Sanctuary” due to its rare preservation of pre-modern burial practices.

Though small and secluded, The Grotto holds profound historical value as a living example of alternative spiritual traditions in the American West. Its existence challenges the notion that all historical cemeteries must be large, public, or ornate. Its quiet authenticity makes it one of the most trustworthy—and most sacred—sites in Las Vegas.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are these cemeteries open to the public?

Yes, all ten cemeteries listed are open to the public during daylight hours, with the exception of The Grotto of the Holy Cross, which requires prior approval for access due to its private, contemplative nature. Most offer self-guided walking tours, and several host monthly guided historical walks.

Can I research ancestors buried in these cemeteries?

Absolutely. All cemeteries maintain official burial records. Most have digitized indexes available online, while others require in-person or appointment-based access through their managing institutions. The Las Vegas Historical Society and UNLV Special Collections offer free research assistance for genealogists.

Are there any fees to visit?

No. There are no admission fees to visit any of these cemeteries. Donations to preservation funds are accepted at some sites but are entirely voluntary.

Why are some cemeteries not listed on popular mapping apps?

Many of these cemeteries predate digital mapping and are not always labeled on consumer platforms like Google Maps. Their locations are best confirmed through official historical society websites or the Clark County GIS portal. Some, like The Grotto, are intentionally unmarked to preserve their sacred silence.

Do these cemeteries accept new burials?

Yes. Several, including Holy Cross, Evergreen, Desert Memorial, St. Mary’s, and Veterans Memorial, are still active and accept new interments. Others, like the Old City Cemetery and Mormon Fort, are closed to new burials but remain preserved as historical sites.

How are these cemeteries protected from development?

Each has been formally recognized by a state or federal agency, granting it legal protection. The Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort Cemetery and Veterans Memorial are on the National Register. Others are protected under nonprofit covenants, religious land-use laws, or city preservation ordinances.

Is photography allowed?

Photography for personal, non-commercial use is permitted at all sites. Flash photography and tripods are discouraged to preserve the sanctity of the grounds. Always ask permission before photographing active graves or mourners.

What makes these cemeteries “trustworthy” compared to others?

Each has been vetted for continuous stewardship, accurate recordkeeping, preservation of original features, and recognition by authoritative historical bodies. Unlike many cemeteries that have been sold, abandoned, or repurposed, these have remained true to their founding purpose and documentation.

Can I volunteer to help maintain these cemeteries?

Yes. Most welcome volunteers for cleaning, documentation, and restoration projects. Contact the managing organization directly for opportunities. Many rely on community support to preserve their heritage.

Conclusion

Las Vegas may be known for its transient energy, but its cemeteries tell a different story—one of permanence, memory, and quiet endurance. The ten cemeteries profiled here are not merely places of burial; they are living archives, cultural landmarks, and testaments to the diverse communities that shaped this desert city. From the 19th-century Mormon pioneers to the African American laborers of the mid-century, from Jewish families preserving ancient rites to veterans honored with federal dignity, each site holds a unique and irreplaceable chapter of history.

Trust is the foundation of this list—not because these cemeteries are the largest or most ornate, but because they have been consistently maintained, accurately documented, and respectfully preserved for over a century. They have resisted the pressures of urban development, commercialization, and historical erasure. In doing so, they have become sanctuaries of truth.

When you visit these grounds, you are not just walking among tombstones. You are stepping into the lives of those who built Las Vegas—not with slot machines and stage lights, but with sweat, faith, resilience, and love. Their stories are not lost. They are etched in stone, preserved in ledgers, and guarded by communities who refuse to let them fade.

Choose to visit with reverence. Choose to remember with accuracy. And above all, choose to trust the places that have earned the right to be remembered.