If you are a fan of history, you are definitely going to want to visit this historical graveyard in Portland. With many reported hauntings, and plenty of history stretching back to the humble beginnings of our city, there are plenty of reasons to worry about things that go bump in the night at the thought-to-be haunted Lone Fir Cemetery.
Lone Fir Cemetery began on private land with just one grave in 1854.
Benjamin Kerensa / Flickr
When a steamship exploded later that year, killing 24 of its 50 passengers, the then-owner of the land set aside 10 acres of the land for a cemetery.
Benjamin Kerensa / Flickr
By 1866, the cemetery had grown to 30 acres, and was named Lone Fir for its one fir tree standing on the land.
Benjamin Kerensa / Flickr
All of the deceased persons buried in three other downtown cemeteries were moved to Lone Fir, and it was the sole burial spot for 40 years until Riverview Cemetery opened in 1893.
Benjamin Kerensa / Flickr
No money was ever set aside for the care of the cemetery, and by 1928 it was covered by blackberries and there were over 10,000 graves without headstones.
Deann Barrera / Flickr
As a final resting place for the city’s pioneers, founders, early Chinese immigrants, asylum patients, firefighters, and more, the cemetery holds plenty of secrets and lore.
Brian Duval / Flickr
The founders of the cemetery watch over the land from their eternal stone resting place.
Amy Goodman / Flickr
The pioneer cemetery is so filled with history and fabled hauntings, that at Halloween a “Tour of Untimely Departure” takes visitors through the cemetery at night to explore the stories of these original Portlanders buried here.
Tom Hilton / Flickr
The Halloween, as well as other historic tours offered year-round, point out many of tales of love, murder and revenge that are thought to give the cemetery its creepy vibe.
Amy Goodman / Flickr
With over 25,000 graves, including 16 Portland mayors, this is one cemetery that has plenty of horrifying stories that will make your skin crawl just thinking about them.
Mike Krzeszak / Flickr
Lone Fir Cemetery is located at SE 26th Avenue and SE Stark Streets. It is open to the public from dawn till dusk daily.
Benjamin Kerensa / Flickr
Deann Barrera / Flickr
Brian Duval / Flickr
Amy Goodman / Flickr
Tom Hilton / Flickr
Mike Krzeszak / Flickr
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