Stockton Rural Cemetery, Block 27 ~ 2015 Sesquicentennial Freedom Celebration

Grave marker of Reverend Jeremiah King, Stockton Rural Cemetery Block 27
Genesis 2: 15 ~ The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.

The Stockton Rural Cemetery utilizes a style of burial ground showcasing a “park-like” horticulture garden landscaping. Many 19th century New England garden cemeteries mirrored ornate design and botanical garden from Europe, many early Gold Rush pioneers are from the maritime communities throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and New York.

A growing broad based community effort to honor the earliest pioneers who created the City of Stockton and surrounding San Joaquin County region have extended family within Stockton Rural Cemetery. This amazing final resting place, since 1861, is an national treasure worthy of preservation and restoration, telling the story of Stockton, California.

From millionaires row to unmarked unknown interments, official and historical records quantify burials from US Civil War era until today. 2015 is the Sesquicentennial Year of Freedom Celebrations, a plethora of resources within Stockton's Rural Cemetery will help highlight the 150th Anniversary of Memorial Day.

Ann Douglass sums up the notion best, “rural cemeteries, from their inception, were intended as civic institutions designed for public use. Before the widespread development of public parks, the rural cemetery provided a place for the general public to enjoy refined outdoor recreation amidst art and sculpture previously available only for the wealthy.”

In 1861, Block 27 was initiated by Rev. Jeremiah King, he and many early residents of Historic Stockton Waterfront District final resting place is attracting renewed local interest, as well extended family interest from across the nation and beyond.
The Stockton Rural Cemetery staff and association are assisting to create a positive way forward.

The Stockton Rural Cemetery ~ Block 27 is a small part of a nonprofit, nonsectarian, endowed care facility. It is located at 2350 Cemetery Lane, in Stockton, California.