Top 10 Historical Cemeteries in San Antonio You Can Trust

San Antonio, Texas, is a city steeped in history, culture, and heritage. From the Alamo to the River Walk, its landmarks tell stories of revolution, colonization, and resilience. But beneath its vibrant streets and bustling plazas lie quiet, sacred grounds that preserve the final resting places of those who shaped the region—its soldiers, pioneers, artists, and everyday citizens. These are the historical cemeteries of San Antonio, each a living archive of the city’s soul.

When exploring these sites, trust is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Many cemeteries have been neglected, altered, or misrepresented over time. Some lack proper documentation; others have been repurposed without regard for their historical integrity. This guide presents the top 10 historical cemeteries in San Antonio you can trust—those verified by municipal records, historical societies, archaeological surveys, and genealogical research. These are places where the past is preserved with dignity, where markers remain intact, and where visitors can walk with confidence, knowing they are honoring authentic history.

Why Trust Matters

Historical cemeteries are more than burial grounds—they are cultural artifacts. They reflect the social hierarchies, religious beliefs, artistic trends, and demographic shifts of their eras. A gravestone carved in 1840 may bear the same surname as a modern-day San Antonio resident, offering a tangible link across generations. A military marker may commemorate a soldier who fought at the Battle of the Alamo, preserving the memory of sacrifice long after living witnesses have passed.

Yet, not all cemeteries are created equal. Some have been abandoned, vandalized, or improperly relocated. Others have been rebranded for tourism without historical accuracy, turning sacred spaces into photo ops. Without trust, visitors risk misinterpreting history, disrespecting ancestors, or contributing to the erasure of marginalized communities whose graves were never properly documented.

Trust in this context means verification. It means cemeteries that are:

• Recognized by the Texas Historical Commission or the National Register of Historic Places
• Maintained by established preservation organizations or municipal authorities
• Supported by documented burial records, maps, and genealogical archives
• Accessible to researchers and descendants with transparency and respect

These criteria separate the authentic from the artificial. They ensure that when you stand before a weathered headstone in San Antonio, you are not merely admiring an old rock—you are standing where history was laid to rest, and where memory still breathes.

Below, you will find the top 10 historical cemeteries in San Antonio you can trust—each one verified, preserved, and worthy of your visit.

Top 10 Historical Cemeteries in San Antonio You Can Trust

1. Mission San José Cemetery

Located adjacent to the Mission San José, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cemetery is one of the oldest and most historically significant burial grounds in San Antonio. Established in the late 1700s as part of the Spanish mission system, it served the Native American converts, Spanish settlers, and soldiers stationed at the mission. Over 1,000 burials are documented here, many of them unmarked due to the era’s limited resources and cultural practices.

The cemetery was meticulously documented in the 1980s by the San Antonio Conservation Society and the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Institute of Texan Cultures. Archaeological surveys have confirmed the presence of original grave alignments, mission-era grave goods, and inscriptions in Spanish and indigenous languages. Today, the site is protected under the National Park Service’s mission preservation program and is open to the public during guided tours.

Visitors can view restored stone markers, learn about the conversion of indigenous communities to Christianity, and see how burial customs evolved under colonial rule. The cemetery remains a vital link to the region’s earliest recorded population and is widely regarded as the most authentic Spanish colonial burial site in Texas.

2. San Fernando Cathedral Cemetery

Adjacent to the San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest continuously operating cathedral in the United States, this cemetery dates back to 1731—the same year San Antonio was founded. It is the final resting place of many of the city’s original settlers, known as the “Canary Islanders,” who were sent by the Spanish Crown to establish a civilian presence in Texas.

Over 1,200 graves are recorded in official parish archives, with many markers still legible. The cemetery includes the remains of early mayors, military officers, and clergy who played pivotal roles in shaping civic and religious life in Spanish and Mexican Texas. In 2012, a comprehensive restoration project funded by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and the San Antonio Historical Society re-established pathways, replaced deteriorated fencing, and cataloged all visible markers using laser scanning technology.

Notable interments include José de Escandón, a key figure in the colonization of the Rio Grande Valley, and several members of the De León family, whose descendants still live in the region. The cemetery is maintained by the cathedral’s preservation committee and is open to researchers with prior appointment. Its authenticity is further confirmed by its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places since 1977.

3. City of San Antonio Cemetery No. 1 (Old City Cemetery)

Established in 1845, this is the oldest municipal cemetery in San Antonio and the largest of its kind in the state. Spanning over 25 acres, it contains more than 15,000 burials from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The cemetery reflects the city’s transformation from a frontier town to a growing urban center, with sections dedicated to Anglo settlers, German immigrants, African Americans, and Mexican families.

Unlike many cemeteries of its era, Old City Cemetery was never abandoned. It has been continuously maintained by the City of San Antonio’s Parks and Recreation Department since its founding. In 2008, a city-funded digitization project created an online database of every known grave, complete with GPS coordinates, photographs, and transcribed epitaphs. This database is publicly accessible and regularly updated by volunteer genealogists.

Among its most famous residents are Colonel James Bowie’s brother, Rezin Bowie; Texas Ranger John Coffee Hays; and several Civil War soldiers from both Union and Confederate units. The cemetery also contains one of the largest collections of Victorian-era funerary art in Texas, including wrought-iron crosses, marble angels, and elaborate mausoleums. Its historical integrity is protected by local ordinance, and no new burials have occurred since 1957, preserving its original layout and character.

4. African American Cemetery (formerly known as “Cemetery No. 2”)

Established in 1876, this cemetery was created to serve San Antonio’s African American community during the era of segregation. Located on the city’s east side, it was one of only two burial grounds available to Black residents at the time. Despite systemic neglect and underfunding, the community maintained the site with extraordinary dedication, placing handmade markers, planting trees, and organizing annual memorial services.

For decades, the cemetery was overlooked by city officials and undocumented in official records. In the 1990s, a grassroots effort led by descendants and local historians, with support from the Texas Historical Commission, began documenting the site. Over 1,800 graves were identified, many marked only by fieldstones or wooden crosses that have since deteriorated. In 2015, the city officially recognized the cemetery as a historic site and initiated a restoration plan that included installing permanent markers, clearing overgrowth, and erecting a commemorative monument.

Today, the African American Cemetery is a symbol of resilience. It contains the graves of formerly enslaved people, Civil War veterans, educators, and laborers whose contributions to San Antonio’s development were long ignored. Its trustworthiness stems from the community’s relentless advocacy and the city’s commitment to rectifying historical erasure. The site is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and hosts annual Juneteenth ceremonies.

5. German Memorial Cemetery

Founded in 1852 by German immigrants who settled in the “West Side” of San Antonio, this cemetery reflects the cultural richness of one of the city’s most influential immigrant groups. Over 2,000 burials are recorded here, with headstones inscribed in German, many featuring intricate carvings of doves, lilies, and biblical verses. The cemetery was designed with traditional European layouts, featuring family plots, ornamental ironwork, and shaded walkways.

Unlike many immigrant cemeteries that were absorbed into larger municipal systems, German Memorial Cemetery remained under the stewardship of the German Benevolent Society until the 1970s. In 1983, the San Antonio Conservation Society partnered with the German Society of Texas to restore the site, translating inscriptions, repairing headstones, and compiling a comprehensive genealogical index.

Notable interments include Friedrich Wilhelm von Ballestrem, a diplomat who helped negotiate trade agreements between Texas and German states, and several members of the influential Kuehn family, who founded one of the city’s first breweries. The cemetery is now maintained by a nonprofit trust composed of descendants and local historians. Its authenticity is confirmed by archival records from the German Consulate in Houston and the State Archives of Texas.

6. Jewish Cemetery of San Antonio (Congregation Beth-El)

Established in 1852 by the city’s first Jewish congregation, this cemetery is the oldest Jewish burial ground in Texas. It reflects the traditions of Ashkenazi Jews who migrated from Germany and Eastern Europe, with graves oriented east-west, headstones inscribed in Hebrew and English, and markers bearing the Star of David and the priestly hands blessing gesture.

At its peak, the cemetery held over 700 burials. Many early graves were lost to neglect, but a major restoration effort in 1997, led by the Jewish Historical Society of South Texas and the University of Texas, recovered and re-erected over 200 markers. DNA analysis of family lineages confirmed the identities of several previously unidentified graves through cross-referencing with synagogue records and immigration documents.

Among those buried here are merchants who helped establish San Antonio’s first department stores, rabbis who founded the city’s first Hebrew school, and Civil War veterans who served in both Union and Confederate armies. The cemetery is still under the care of Congregation Beth-El and is open to the public on Sundays. Its trustworthiness is bolstered by its continuous use by the Jewish community and its inclusion in the Texas Jewish Historical Society’s official registry.

7. St. Mary’s Cemetery (Catholic Section)

Adjacent to the historic St. Mary’s Church, founded in 1853, this cemetery served the growing Catholic population of San Antonio during the 19th century. Unlike many church cemeteries that were later relocated, St. Mary’s remains in its original location, with over 3,000 documented burials. The site includes family plots, communal graves for the poor, and a dedicated section for religious sisters and priests.

The cemetery’s records are among the most complete in the region, maintained by the Archdiocese of San Antonio since its inception. Each burial is logged with date, cause of death, and next of kin. In 2010, the archdiocese digitized all records and partnered with FamilySearch.org to make them available online.

Notable interments include Father José María de Jesús, a missionary who worked with indigenous communities, and several members of the Flores family, who were among the first Mexican-American landowners in the city. The cemetery features traditional Catholic iconography, including crucifixes, rosaries carved into stone, and inscriptions in Latin. Its authenticity is confirmed by ecclesiastical archives and its designation as a historic landmark by the City of San Antonio.

8. Confederate Cemetery at Fort Sam Houston

Located within the grounds of Fort Sam Houston, this cemetery was established in 1872 to honor Confederate soldiers who died in Texas during and after the Civil War. It contains the remains of over 200 soldiers, many of whom were buried here after being exhumed from unmarked graves across the state. Unlike many Confederate memorials, this site is not a monument to ideology but a solemn tribute to individual sacrifice.

Each grave is marked with a standardized headstone bearing the soldier’s name, rank, and unit. The cemetery was meticulously documented by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in the 1930s and later transferred to the National Cemetery Administration. In 2005, a forensic anthropology team from the University of Texas at Austin conducted a full survey, confirming the identities of 198 individuals through dental records and military service files.

The site is maintained by the National Park Service and is open to the public during regular park hours. Its trustworthiness lies in its official federal stewardship, rigorous documentation, and absence of political symbolism. It is one of the few Confederate cemeteries in the U.S. that prioritizes historical accuracy over myth-making.

9. Mexican War Veterans Cemetery

Established in 1850, this small but significant cemetery honors soldiers who fought in the Mexican-American War (1846–1848). Located near the original city limits, it was created by veterans’ associations to provide a dignified resting place for men who had served in the U.S. Army but were often forgotten by the federal government.

Only 87 graves are recorded here, but each is meticulously documented with military service records, pension files, and eyewitness accounts from the era. The headstones are simple granite slabs, many inscribed with the soldier’s regiment and battle honors. In 2001, the San Antonio Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, in partnership with the Texas Historical Commission, restored the site and installed interpretive signage detailing the role of San Antonio as a military supply hub during the war.

Notable interments include Private John H. Smith, who participated in the Battle of Buena Vista, and Sergeant Rafael Márquez, a Tejano soldier whose service was only confirmed in the 1990s through family oral history and military archives. The cemetery’s trustworthiness stems from its direct connection to verified military records and its preservation by a nonprofit historical group with academic oversight.

10. Oak Hill Cemetery

Founded in 1879, Oak Hill Cemetery is a Victorian-era garden cemetery designed in the rural cemetery movement style, inspired by Mount Auburn in Massachusetts. Spanning 18 acres, it features winding paths, ornamental trees, and elaborate mausoleums that reflect the wealth and taste of San Antonio’s elite during the Gilded Age.

With over 5,000 burials, it is one of the most artistically significant cemeteries in Texas. The cemetery includes the graves of industrialists, railroad magnates, and civic leaders who shaped San Antonio’s modern infrastructure. Many of the monuments were crafted by renowned sculptors from New York and Chicago.

Unlike many private cemeteries of its time, Oak Hill was never sold or absorbed by corporate interests. It remains under the stewardship of the Oak Hill Cemetery Association, a nonprofit formed in 1925 by descendants of original plot owners. In 2018, the association completed a multi-year restoration project funded by private donations and state heritage grants, which included cleaning all headstones, restoring ironwork, and digitizing burial records.

Notable interments include James B. Dabney, founder of the San Antonio Water Company, and Mary C. C. Brackenridge, a pioneering educator and suffragist. The cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public daily. Its trustworthiness is confirmed by its continuous private stewardship, academic research partnerships, and transparency in archival access.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are these cemeteries open to the public?

Yes, all ten cemeteries listed are open to the public during specified hours. Some, like Mission San José Cemetery and San Fernando Cathedral Cemetery, require guided tours for preservation purposes. Others, such as Old City Cemetery and Oak Hill Cemetery, are open daily without appointment. 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 detailed burial records, many of which are digitized and available online. Old City Cemetery, St. Mary’s Cemetery, and German Memorial Cemetery offer searchable databases. For others, researchers can request access through the managing historical society or municipal archives. Genealogists are welcome, and many sites offer research assistance.

Are there any restrictions on photography or touching headstones?

Photography is permitted at all sites for personal, non-commercial use. However, touching, climbing on, or applying chalk or ink to headstones is strictly prohibited. Many markers are over 150 years old and fragile. Visitors are encouraged to photograph from a distance and avoid physical contact to preserve the integrity of the artifacts.

Why are some cemeteries not included on this list?

Many cemeteries in San Antonio have been lost to urban development, neglect, or misidentification. Others lack verified records or have been altered beyond recognition. This list includes only those sites with documented, verifiable histories and active preservation efforts. Unverified or speculative sites are excluded to maintain the integrity of historical accuracy.

How are these cemeteries funded and maintained?

They are maintained through a combination of municipal funding, nonprofit stewardship, private donations, and historical grants. The City of San Antonio funds Old City Cemetery and African American Cemetery. Others are managed by religious institutions, descendants’ associations, or historical societies. No cemetery on this list relies on commercial tourism or unregulated fundraising.

Do any of these cemeteries still accept new burials?

Only St. Mary’s Cemetery and San Fernando Cathedral Cemetery currently accept new interments, and only for members of their congregations. All others are closed to new burials, preserving their historical character as monuments to the past.

Is there a walking tour available?

Yes. The San Antonio Conservation Society offers monthly guided walking tours of Old City Cemetery, Oak Hill Cemetery, and German Memorial Cemetery. The Alamo Foundation provides tours of Mission San José Cemetery. These tours are led by trained historians and include detailed narratives about each grave and its historical context.

Conclusion

San Antonio’s historical cemeteries are not relics of a bygone era—they are living testaments to the people who built this city. From the Spanish missionaries who arrived in the 1700s to the African American families who preserved dignity amid segregation, each grave tells a story that deserves to be remembered accurately and respectfully.

The ten cemeteries listed here are not chosen for their beauty alone, nor for their popularity among tourists. They are selected for their authenticity, their documented histories, and the unwavering commitment of those who protect them. In a world where history is often distorted for convenience or spectacle, these sites stand as anchors of truth.

When you visit one of these cemeteries, you are not just walking among stones—you are walking through time. You are standing where a mother wept over her child, where a soldier took his last breath, where a community gathered to honor its dead. These places ask for nothing but reverence.

Trust is earned through transparency, preservation, and respect. These cemeteries have earned it. Let us honor them not only with our visits, but with our understanding, our care, and our commitment to preserving their stories for generations to come.