Grave Markers - Approximately 6,500 persons are buried in the cemetery. Many graves are unmarked, although it is believed that these burials follow the established section/lot layout and are regularly placed with the cemetery grounds. In other cases many individuals are marked by a single family marker. Some markers have multiple names. The cemetery includes more than 3,200 extant grave markers. These include ornate monuments, simple tablets, and homemade folk markers. They are composed of a wide variety of materials: white bronze (cast zinc), marble, granite, sandstone, rhyolite, wood, concrete, and found materials. The styles vary as well, from formal columns and tablets to intricately carved stone to simple rocks with metal markers. Some family plots are surrounded by a low stone or concrete coping, of which many have sunk below grade and are not visible. Around 100 fragmented markers are documented and stored in or near the Maintenance Shed. The condition of the extant markers varies. Some are leaning or in need of cleaning, and others are at risk of falling into the New Anderson Ditch or the narrow trench at the west side of the cemetery.
Figure 1-11. Maintenance Shed, 2022 (source: Mundus Bishop)
Figure 1-12. Stone wall and iron fence, 2022 (source: Mundus Bishop)
Figure 1-13. Volunteer Shed, 2022 (source: Mundus Bishop)
Figure 1-14. Mature deciduous and coniferous trees, 2022 (source: Mundus Bishop)
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Columbia Cemetery
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