Next on our Iconic list: Linn Grove Cemetery.
A warning/request: When visiting ANY cemetery or graveyard, please treat it with respect. Remove any obvious trash you see, do not climb on/lay on/sit on/mark up/break any headstones or memorials and take nothing from the cemetery. If you choose to disrespect a cemetery or graveyard, there can be more than legal consequences. You are welcome to leave flowers and trinkets if you see fit.
Established in 1874, Linn Grove is one of the oldest cemeteries in full operation today in the state of Colorado. Purchased at 65 acres, there are funerals and available lots to this day and for the foreseeable future.
But did you know Linn Grove was not the original cemetery for the city of Greeley? "Union Colony Cemetery" once stood where the hill/UC Center (Student Center) at UNC now stands. The bodies were all moved by 1882 in order for UNC to continue expanding. The location was also deemed "undesirable" for a cemetery. Perhaps this history plays into the ghost stories around UNC.
Quick question, what is the difference between a Cemetery and a Graveyard?
Answer: Graveyards are established next to a church while cemeteries are churchless.
Cemeteries and graveyards were never intended to be creepy. During the Victorian era, many times you would find people strolling through the cemetery or having a picnic next to loved ones. They only became creepy due to human taboos and horror films. You can find grand celebrations around the world in cemeteries, where meals are had, stories are shared, and decorations placed.
Did you know you can also find a cemetery within the Linn Grove Cemetery. How is that possible?
The Fort Latham Cemetery, in use from 1861 to 1873, is now in Linn Grove Cemetery but within wrought iron fencing to maintain it as an individual cemetery. It was first moved for the construction of Hwy 34 east of Greeley to an area north of the highway and east of the South Platte River bridge. It was moved again several years ago to the more protected area at Linn Grove.
Fort Latham was a stage station at the junction of the Denver and California Overland Stage routes from 1859 to 1870. It was also used as a safe haven by the settlers during Indian wars during the 1860's and the "100 Day Volunteers" trained at Fort Latham in 1864.
Between 1864 and 1870 Fort Latham was a thriving community with a U.S. Post Office, a school and a store. Between 1865 and 1876 Fort Latham was the county seat of Weld County, part of the Colorado Territory.
Fort Latham closed when railroads started to take over travel and the movement of goods.
There are many historical figures in Linn Grove such as Wilbur D. French (the only known lynching in Greeley), the grave of 10 Circus Men who died in a train fire, Oliver and Minerva Jackson (founders of Deerfield, Colorado), and more.
You can even find the self proclaimed "Greeley's Witch" Jessie Jacobs buried here, with a headstone modeled after a Tarot Card.
You can also find Swans at Linn Grove, but please do not approach them. They can be aggressive.
We hope you enjoy your visit to Linn Grove!