By Nancy Burgess

In 1994, Citizens Cemetery was listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a part of the Prescott Armory National Register Historic District.  The listing of the cemetery in the National Register affords a certain prestige which can enhance and raise community awareness and pride in the historic value of the property.  The National Register is the Nation's official listing of prehistoric and historic properties worthy of preservation.  The documentation necessary for listing in the Register provides a detailed history of the site, which contains vast amounts of historical information about our community.

Until recently, cemeteries were not recognized as important historic sites.  In the last decade, however, increased public interest and concern for threatened sites has resulted in the development of this new area in historic preservation.  Due to the recent development of this area of historic preservation, relatively little written information is available for those who are working to preserve these historic sites. 
 

It is the mission of the Yavapai Cemetery Association to preserve, protect and enhance Citizens Cemetery.  In order to accomplish this, the Association has set goals and has adopted a Constitution and By-Laws, a Master Plan and a set of Preservation Policies for the preservation of the cemetery.  These documents help guide the members of the Association in setting priorities and making the best decisions for the preservation of this important Prescott historic site. 
 

The Preservation Policies which have been adopted by the Association pertain primarily to issues concerning the preservation of the historic character of the cemetery and the installation of new materials.  They cover curbing, which are the borders which are placed around some grave sites; grave caps, which are solid coverings over graves, usually of stone or concrete; paving, which addresses roads and pedestrian pathways; headstones and gravemarkers, which addresses the treatment of old markers and the installation of new ones; enclosures around grave sites; and the use of power equipment.  These policies are written with the purpose of keeping this historic cemetery as close as possible to its original appearance while at the same time allowing improvements to be made.  These improvements, however, must be done in keeping with the late nineteenth century/early twentieth century historic landscape of the cemetery. 
 

These Preservation Policies require that anyone who wishes to install new curbing, grave caps, markers, headstone, enclosures or other structures within the cemetery fist obtain permission to do so from the Preservation Committee of the Association.  This committee is charged with ensuring that the policies are applied and the historic integrity of the cemetery is not compromised by unsuitable materials.  Anyone who wishes to install a curbing, enclosure, grave cap, marker or headstone should request a copy of the policy pertaining to the work that is proposed.  The policies, in general, require the use of natural materials or manufactured materials which would have been available around the turn of the century, such as brick, concrete or stone for curbing and caps; and wood, wrought iron, pipe or wire for enclosures.  New gravestones and markers must be verified for correct information against the historical records and the installation location must be verified by the Association before anything may be installed.  Gravemarkers and headstones are to be consistent in style with other markers in the cemetery.  Paving is essentially prohibited. Use of power tools is generally discouraged, except by trained volunteers. 
 

If you would like to receive copies of any of the Preservation Policies referred to herein, please contact the Association.  The Preservation Committee, which is chaired by Evan Sage, will work closely with you on your proposal for the installation of a gravemarker, headstone, cap, enclosure or curbing, with the goal in mind of preserving, protecting and enhancing the historic integrity of Citizens Cemetery. 

Nancy Burgess is Preservation Specialist for the city of Prescott.

Sharlot Hall Museum Photograph Call Number:(c101pe)
Reuse only by permission.
Citizens Cemetery, c1935