A rich history but a sad situation.
Much has been in the news over the years since this cemetery fell upon legal troubles in the late 1980's and early 1990's. It has been in a state of disrepair ever since. Currently, it is in the hands of the Kentucky Attorney General's Office with some limited maintenance being provided by Dismiss Charities. Limited maintenance by volunteers will never restore this cemetery to its former state but every little bit helps.
The history dates back to 1854 when the Fourth Street Methodist Episcopal Church received charter from the Kentucky General Assembly for a cemetery. However, it appears that burials were conducted here as early as 1835. There were several expansions of the original plot and the current size is just over 30 acres. In the early 1930's the first crematory in Louisville and possibly in Kentucky was opened on this site. The most modern crematory is located in the basement of the cemetery offices in the northeast corner of the property.
The beginning of the end for this cemetery began in the late 1980's when it was discovered that they were burying on existing plots. Research by the University of Louisville indicates that some sections (particularly the Old Slave Section and the Pauper's Section) may have reburied as many as 5 or 6 times over the years. However, family plots were also reused over the years (particularly those of infants) and family plots were sold that were formerly "at need" graves.
One particular notable burial caught my attention, that of Henry B. Bascom (1796-1850). His grave and monument is located just off the road between the entrance and the cache site. The Reverend Bascom was the President of Madison College in Pennsylvania, the chaplain to the US House of Representatives, the President of Transylvania University and a Bishop of the Methodist Church South. He played an important role in the split of the Methodist Church in 1844 over the question of slavery. Rev Bascom was appointed to head the committee to attempt a reconciliation within the church. However, that reconciliation did not occur until the end of the Civil War, well after his death.
The cache is a small peanut butter jar hidden not far from the road. It contains only a log so bring your own pen. As with all cemetery caches, no caching after dark and respect families visiting the cemetery - chances are their business there is much more important than yours.
