Historic Lancaster Rural Cemetery is non-denominational, and centrally located in the Town of Lancaster, New York.
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 large 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.
The non-sectarian cemetery is competitively priced with other area cemeteries. We offer traditional burials, two columbaria for cremated remains, and the beautiful Children of Love Memorial Garden for infants and children.
The Board of Directors and Staff of the Lancaster Rural Cemetery dedicate themselves to provide the beauty and solitude with which will honor the dead and bring healing to the living and bereaved.
We recognize not only the history of our cemetery and the early settlers who are buried here, but also assure the living of the perpetual beauty and care into the foreseeable future. We will provide our services at affordable costs and assist our customers in the courteous and efficient manner which is due them, often during a time of personal loss and sorrow. We will pledge reverence and dignity as we care for the cemetery in our daily operations, and as we seek continued funding and means to assure our future.
Services Available:
Traditional Ground Burial
Cremation Ground Burial
Above Ground Cremation Niches
Children of Love Memorial Garden
Future Development:
Additional Ground Burial Sites
Additional Cremation Niches
Remembrance Memorial Brick Gardens
Memorial Gifts:
Give a gift to the Lancaster Rural Cemetery to support us and preserve the beautiful history of this location. Your gift can be in loving memory of a friend or family member. Thank you for your support!
Mail to:
Lancaster Rural Cemetery Association
PO Box 216
Lancaster, NY 14086
