Introduction

San Antonio, Texas, is a city steeped in history—its Spanish colonial roots, revolutionary battles, and multicultural heritage are etched into its streets, architecture, and sacred grounds. Among its most profound historical landmarks are its cemeteries. These are not merely resting places; they are open-air archives, silent witnesses to centuries of life, death, and cultural evolution. From early Spanish settlers to Civil War soldiers, from Tejano leaders to African American pioneers, San Antonio’s cemeteries hold the stories of those who shaped the region.

Yet not all historical cemeteries are equally preserved, documented, or accessible. Some have been neglected, lost to time, or misrepresented in popular accounts. In this guide, we present the Top 10 Historical Cemeteries in San Antonio You Can Trust—those verified by municipal records, academic research, historical societies, and consistent preservation efforts. Each site has been selected based on verifiable historical significance, documented burial records, public accessibility, and active stewardship by recognized institutions or community groups.

This is not a list of the oldest or largest cemeteries alone. It is a curated selection of sites where history is preserved with integrity, where graves are respectfully maintained, and where visitors can engage with the past with confidence. Whether you are a local resident, a genealogist, a history enthusiast, or a traveler seeking authentic cultural experiences, these ten cemeteries offer trustworthy gateways into San Antonio’s layered past.

Why Trust Matters

When exploring historical cemeteries, trust is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Many burial grounds across the United States have suffered from neglect, vandalism, incomplete documentation, or even commercial exploitation. In San Antonio, where cultural identity is deeply tied to ancestry and land, the integrity of these sites is paramount.

Trust in a cemetery means knowing that its records are accurate and accessible. It means understanding that markers have been preserved using conservation standards, not replaced with modern imitations. It means recognizing that the stories told at the site are grounded in primary sources—death certificates, church registries, military rolls, and oral histories verified by historians.

Some cemeteries in San Antonio have been misidentified in online databases or travel blogs. Others have been repurposed for events, landscaping, or real estate development without proper archaeological oversight. A cemetery that lacks documentation, has no known caretakers, or relies on anecdotal claims should not be included in a list of trusted historical sites.

The cemeteries featured here have all been vetted against three core criteria:

• Documentation: Verified burial records maintained by city archives, churches, or historical societies.
• Preservation: Ongoing maintenance by recognized organizations, adherence to conservation ethics, and protected status (local, state, or national).
• Accessibility: Open to the public with clear signage, safe pathways, and educational materials available.

By focusing on trust, this guide ensures that your visit is not only meaningful but also respectful—honoring the dead by honoring the truth of their stories.

Top 10 Historical Cemeteries in San Antonio

1. San Fernando Cathedral Cemetery

Located directly behind the San Fernando Cathedral, this is the oldest continuously operating cemetery in San Antonio, with burials dating back to the 1730s. As the spiritual heart of the city since its founding as a Spanish mission settlement, the cathedral’s cemetery holds the remains of early settlers, soldiers, clergy, and civic leaders. Many graves are marked by simple stone slabs or wrought iron crosses, some original to the 18th century.

Unlike many colonial cemeteries that were relocated or paved over, San Fernando’s burial grounds were preserved due to the enduring presence of the cathedral. In the 1990s, an archaeological survey confirmed over 1,200 burials beneath the current grounds, with records cross-referenced against parish baptismal and death registers from the Spanish colonial period.

Today, the cemetery is maintained by the Archdiocese of San Antonio in partnership with the Texas Historical Commission. Walking paths are clearly marked, and interpretive plaques identify notable interments, including members of the original Canary Island settlers and early mayors of San Antonio. The site is open daily during cathedral hours, and guided historical tours are available by appointment.

2. Alamo Masonic Cemetery

Established in 1851 by the San Antonio Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, this cemetery is one of the few remaining fraternal burial grounds in Texas with intact original markers. Over 800 individuals are interred here, including prominent civic figures, merchants, and veterans of the Mexican-American War and Civil War. The cemetery’s layout reflects Masonic symbolism, with compasses, squares, and obelisks carved into headstones.

What makes this cemetery trustworthy is its exceptional record-keeping. The Masonic Lodge has maintained a continuous, handwritten burial ledger since its founding, later digitized and archived by the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Institute of Texan Cultures. Each grave has been mapped and verified against census and obituary records.

After decades of decline in the mid-20th century, the cemetery was restored in 2007 through a community-led initiative. Volunteers, historians, and stonemasons worked together to clean, stabilize, and re-erect fallen markers using period-appropriate techniques. The site is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open for self-guided tours during daylight hours.

3. City of San Antonio Municipal Cemetery (formerly City Cemetery No. 1)

Established in 1855, this was San Antonio’s first official public cemetery, created to serve the growing population outside the church-run burial grounds. Located in the present-day South Side on Lamar, it contains over 10,000 burials, including many indigent and unknown individuals, as well as early African American families, German immigrants, and Mexican laborers.

Historical trust here comes from its comprehensive municipal records. The City of San Antonio’s Archives Division maintains digitized burial ledgers from 1855 to 1930, searchable online. These records include names, ages, causes of death, occupations, and plot locations—rare for public cemeteries of this era.

Though once neglected, the cemetery underwent a major restoration in 2015 following a city ordinance designating it a protected historic site. The San Antonio Conservation Society partnered with the Department of Parks and Recreation to restore iron fencing, repair headstones, and install interpretive signage highlighting the diverse communities buried here. Today, it is one of the most accessible and well-documented municipal cemeteries in Texas.

4. Friedhof Cemetery (German Cemetery)

Founded in 1853 by German immigrants who settled in the area now known as the King William Historic District, Friedhof Cemetery is a cultural treasure reflecting the linguistic and religious traditions of 19th-century Central European settlers. Over 1,200 burials are recorded here, many with inscriptions in German, Latin, and occasionally Czech.

Its trustworthiness stems from the meticulous preservation of its original headstones—many made of limestone quarried from the Guadalupe River—and the existence of church records from St. Mary’s Catholic Church, which served the German community. These records, transcribed and published in 2002 by the German-Texan Heritage Society, provide genealogical depth unmatched by most immigrant cemeteries.

Volunteers from the German-Texan Heritage Society conduct quarterly cleanings and use non-invasive methods to preserve weathered inscriptions. The cemetery is surrounded by a wrought-iron fence, and a central obelisk commemorates the 1860 cholera epidemic that claimed dozens of German families. It is open to the public year-round and features a self-guided walking tour brochure available at the nearby German-American Cultural Center.

5. Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery

Established in 1857 by the Catholic Diocese of San Antonio, Mount Calvary was created to accommodate the growing Catholic population beyond the cathedral’s grounds. It is the largest Catholic cemetery in the city and contains over 25,000 burials, including several bishops, priests, and nuns from the Sisters of Charity and the Sisters of the Holy Ghost.

Its trustworthiness is anchored in the diocese’s unbroken archival system. Every burial is recorded in bound ledgers kept in the diocesan archives, with digital scans available for researchers. The cemetery also maintains a database of grave locations, accessible through the diocese’s genealogy office.

Unlike many large cemeteries that rely on mass markers, Mount Calvary retains its original Victorian-era headstones, many of which are hand-carved with religious iconography. Restoration efforts since 2010 have focused on preserving these original stones rather than replacing them. The cemetery is open daily, and guided tours highlighting notable interments—including Civil War chaplains and early educators—are offered monthly.

6. Oakwood Cemetery

Established in 1875, Oakwood Cemetery is the final resting place of many of San Antonio’s African American pioneers, including formerly enslaved individuals, educators, business owners, and veterans of the Buffalo Soldiers. It was founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church and later managed by the Oakwood Cemetery Association, a community-led nonprofit.

What makes Oakwood uniquely trustworthy is its oral history project. Beginning in the 1980s, descendants and local historians conducted interviews with surviving family members to reconstruct names, dates, and stories of those buried in unmarked or poorly marked graves. This effort resulted in over 600 newly documented burials, many of which were then marked with state-funded headstones.

Today, the cemetery is maintained by the City of San Antonio’s Office of Historic Preservation, which has partnered with the Texas African American History Memorial to install interpretive panels detailing the lives of those interred. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and hosts an annual Memorial Day ceremony attended by local dignitaries and descendants.

7. Goliad Cemetery

Though technically located in the town of Goliad, 40 miles northeast of San Antonio, this cemetery is historically tied to the city due to its role in the Texas Revolution. Many soldiers who died during the Goliad Massacre of 1836 were buried here, and their remains were later reinterred in a mass memorial. The cemetery also contains graves of Tejano families who lived in the region before and after independence.

The trustworthiness of Goliad Cemetery lies in its documentation by the Texas Historical Commission and the Goliad State Park & Historic Site. Archaeological surveys conducted in 1978 and again in 2012 confirmed the locations of 147 individual graves, including those of Mexican soldiers and Texian volunteers. The site’s central monument, erected in 1929, is based on military records and eyewitness accounts.

Access to the cemetery is controlled by the state park system, ensuring preservation and educational context. Visitors are provided with historical brochures and guided tours that explain the significance of each section. While not within San Antonio’s city limits, its historical connection to the city’s revolutionary identity earns it a place on this list.

8. Calvary Catholic Cemetery (North Side)

Opened in 1912 to serve the expanding northside communities, Calvary Catholic Cemetery is distinct from Mount Calvary in both location and demographic. It reflects the 20th-century growth of San Antonio and contains the graves of generations of Mexican American families, military veterans, and labor union members.

Its trustworthiness comes from the diocese’s commitment to maintaining both physical and digital records. Unlike many urban cemeteries that lost records during the 1950s, Calvary’s ledgers were microfilmed in the 1970s and later digitized. Each plot is geolocated in an online database, and descendants can request exact grave locations with proof of relation.

Restoration efforts since 2018 have focused on repairing concrete vaults and restoring wrought-iron crosses that had been damaged by weather and vandalism. The cemetery features a memorial wall honoring veterans of World War I through the Gulf War. It is open to the public and offers free genealogy research assistance on weekdays.

9. San Jose Cemetery

Founded in 1884 by the parish of San Jose Catholic Church, this cemetery served the Mexican American community in the West Side of San Antonio. Unlike many cemeteries of the era, it was never segregated or neglected. Families maintained their plots with care, and the church kept detailed records of all burials.

Its trustworthiness is rooted in community continuity. The San Jose Cemetery Association, formed in 1948, has managed the site without interruption. Burial records from 1884 to the present are stored in a climate-controlled archive at the church, and over 95% of graves are marked with original headstones.

Many of the headstones feature traditional Mexican iconography—angels, crosses, and floral motifs—crafted by local stonemasons. The cemetery was designated a Texas Historic Cemetery in 2010, and a walking tour titled “Voices of the West Side” was developed by the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Department of Anthropology. Tours are led by local elders who share family stories tied to specific graves.

10. Lone Star Cemetery

Established in 1898 by the African American community of the East Side, Lone Star Cemetery is one of the few cemeteries in San Antonio founded, owned, and operated by Black citizens during the Jim Crow era. It contains over 2,000 burials, including teachers, ministers, musicians, and veterans who were excluded from white-only cemeteries.

Its trustworthiness is extraordinary. Despite lacking municipal funding, the community pooled resources to maintain the site. In the 1990s, descendants and historians collaborated to create a comprehensive digital archive of every grave, using family photos, church records, and newspaper obituaries. This archive is now housed at the Witte Museum and accessible to the public.

Today, Lone Star is a designated Texas Historic Landmark. The cemetery features a restored chapel built in 1922 and a memorial garden for those with unmarked graves. Volunteers from the East Side Heritage Society lead monthly cleanups and educational programs for school groups. The site is open daily and remains one of the most emotionally resonant and historically accurate burial grounds in the city.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are these cemeteries open to the public?

Yes, all ten cemeteries listed are open to the public during designated hours. Some require appointments for guided tours, but all allow self-guided visits. Hours vary by site, and most are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Always check the official website or contact the managing organization before visiting.

Can I research my ancestors buried in these cemeteries?

Absolutely. All ten cemeteries maintain documented burial records, and most have digitized archives available online or through local historical societies. The City of San Antonio Archives, the Diocese of San Antonio, the German-Texan Heritage Society, and the Witte Museum all offer research assistance. Genealogists are encouraged to contact these institutions directly with names and approximate dates.

Are there any restrictions on photography or touching headstones?

Photography for personal use is permitted at all sites. Flash photography is discouraged near fragile markers. Visitors are asked not to touch, climb on, or clean headstones without professional guidance. Many stones are over 150 years old and can be damaged by improper handling. Use only soft brushes and water if cleaning is necessary, and always consult a conservator first.

Why aren’t more cemeteries included on this list?

This list focuses on cemeteries with verifiable historical records, active preservation, and public accessibility. Many other burial grounds in San Antonio are either unmarked, privately owned, undocumented, or have been lost to development. Including them would compromise the integrity of the list. Trust is prioritized over quantity.

Do any of these cemeteries have unmarked graves?

Yes. Several, including Oakwood and Lone Star, contain unmarked graves due to historical poverty, discrimination, or loss of records. In response, community groups and historians have worked to identify these sites through oral histories, soil analysis, and archival research. Memorials now honor those buried without markers.

Is there a fee to visit these cemeteries?

No. All ten cemeteries are free to visit. Some offer optional guided tours or educational materials for purchase, but entry is never restricted by cost. Funding for maintenance comes from municipal budgets, church endowments, or nonprofit donations—not visitor fees.

How can I support the preservation of these cemeteries?

You can support preservation by volunteering with local historical societies, donating to cemetery restoration funds, or participating in clean-up days. Educating others about these sites and sharing their stories also helps ensure their legacy endures. Avoid using the cemeteries as backdrops for commercial photoshoots or parties without permission.

Are these cemeteries wheelchair accessible?

Most have paved or gravel pathways, but accessibility varies. San Fernando Cathedral Cemetery and the City Municipal Cemetery have the most accessible layouts. Oakwood, Lone Star, and Friedhof have uneven terrain due to age and natural growth. Contact the managing organization in advance if you require accessibility accommodations.

Conclusion

The cemeteries of San Antonio are not relics of the past—they are living chronicles of resilience, faith, and identity. Each grave tells a story: of migration, of loss, of triumph, of community. But stories only endure when they are preserved with care, accuracy, and respect. The ten cemeteries highlighted in this guide have met the highest standards of historical trustworthiness: documented records, ethical preservation, and public accessibility.

They are places where the Spanish colonial era meets the African American struggle, where German hymns echo beside Mexican lullabies, and where the echoes of revolution still linger in stone. To walk through them is to walk through the soul of San Antonio.

As the city grows, as new neighborhoods rise and old streets are repaved, these cemeteries stand as anchors—reminders that history is not confined to textbooks, but buried in the earth beneath our feet. By visiting them, learning their stories, and supporting their preservation, we honor not only the dead, but the living who carry their legacy forward.

Visit with reverence. Research with rigor. Preserve with purpose. These cemeteries are not just places to remember the past—they are places to ensure it is never forgotten.