Because of the influence of the Franciscan fathers and the
establishment of the Missions in California, nearly all of the
earliest burial sites in San Diego County were Catholic. As
Protestant settlers came into the area in the mid- to late
1800’s, new cemeteries had to be established. San Luis Rey
Pioneer Cemetery (originally known as Freeman Cemetery) was the
alternative to the Catholic cemetery which is right across the
street at Mission San Luis Rey.
Many of Oceanside’s earliest residents are buried here,
including Andrew Jackson Meyers. As you walk around the area,
you’ll recognize many surnames that still exist in the city,
like Freeman, Libby and Lusardi.
In cemeteries, there are always secret stories about life and
about death. The founder of Oceanside is buried here. And a
murderer, and a young farmer who was just about to be married. Be
sure to walk over to the southeast corner where you’ll find a
new addition -- a large, striking monument to OPD Officer Dan
Bessant, who was gunned down in the line of duty in December, 2006,
at the age of 25.