Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery

Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery Founded in 1854 with continued use until the 1930's, the Rural Cemetery is owned and operated by the City of Santa Rosa.

The Rural Cemetery Preservation Committee provides maintenance, tours, and special events to share Santa Rosa's past with visitors. TERMS OF SERVICE AGREEMENT

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Come join us at the Saturday Work Party on June 20th!  Meet us at Franklin Gate at 9:00 AM (across from the preschool). ...
06/15/2026

Come join us at the Saturday Work Party on June 20th! Meet us at Franklin Gate at 9:00 AM (across from the preschool). Wear boots and bring gloves.

*NEW: As this is a Volunteer-led program, anyone under the age of 18 is required to have an adult present if they would like to participate.

This is a great opportunity for your student to start accumulating Community Service Hours!

On June 10, 1876 at 1:00 a.m., Sonoma County Sheriff's deputy Sylvester Wilson was taken hostage by a mob who subsequent...
06/10/2026

On June 10, 1876 at 1:00 a.m., Sonoma County Sheriff's deputy Sylvester Wilson was taken hostage by a mob who subsequently hung Charles “shotgun” Henley at Gravel Slough along Santa Rosa Creek. This grave marker was placed today to commemorate the 150 year anniversary of Wilson’s refusal to aid the intention of the hoodlums who committed this outrageous affront to the good name of Santa Rosa. We invite you to research this compelling and macabre story on your own for it is only one of the many tales from the dark side at the Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery.

~THIS SATURDAY-Step into the Secrets of a Victorian Cemetery~Did you know the Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery was founded duri...
06/08/2026

~THIS SATURDAY-Step into the Secrets of a Victorian Cemetery~

Did you know the Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery was founded during the Victorian Age, when burial traditions were transformed into an art form? Elaborately carved monuments, rich with symbolism and hidden meanings, told stories that every Victorian understood—but many of those messages have faded from memory.

Join us THIS SATURDAY, June 13, for a fascinating tour as we uncover the secrets behind these remarkable grave markers and bring the stories of Santa Rosa’s pioneers and early residents back to life through history, art, and symbolism.

Tours run from 10:00–11:00 a.m., departing every 20 minutes from Franklin Gate.
Admission is FREE; donations appreciated. Note: uneven surfaces and slopes.
Pre-registration is available and will ensure you a spot at the time you request.

Call the City at 707-543-3737 or go to the City website (below) and select the link to the Event you are interested in. At the ticketing site, you may need to select 'Tours' under 'Tours and Special Events'
https://www.srcity.org/1080/Tours-Events

06/07/2026
FREE Veteran History Tours — Memorial Day, May 25Join us at Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery on Monday, May 25 at 12 Noon for a...
05/19/2026

FREE Veteran History Tours — Memorial Day, May 25

Join us at Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery on Monday, May 25 at 12 Noon for a special Memorial Day commemoration!

The Cemetery will be beautifully decorated with flags at each Veteran's burial site. The event begins with a Flag Raising Ceremony at the GAR Monument, followed by free guided Veteran History Tours — learn about the brave men and women who rest here, including Civil War heroes like Lt. Col. Armstrong.

📍 Meet at the Franklin Gate 🕛 12:00 Noon ✅ Free & open to all

Come honor those who served. See you there! 🎖

Come join us at the Saturday Work Party on May 16th!  Meet us at Franklin Gate at 9:00 AM (across from the preschool).  ...
05/11/2026

Come join us at the Saturday Work Party on May 16th! Meet us at Franklin Gate at 9:00 AM (across from the preschool). Wear boots and bring gloves.

**NEW: As this is a Volunteer-led program, anyone under the age of 18 is required to have an adult present if they would like to participate.

This is a great opportunity for your student to start accumulating Community Service Hours!

🌿 HISTORY TOUR — DROP-INS WELCOME TOMORROW! 🌿We still have spots available for tomorrow's History Tour at the 10:20 AM a...
05/09/2026

🌿 HISTORY TOUR — DROP-INS WELCOME TOMORROW! 🌿

We still have spots available for tomorrow's History Tour at the 10:20 AM and 10:40 AM time slots — and we'd love to have you join us!

Wear comfortable shoes and bring your curiosity!

Photo by KL Bennett

Step into history this Saturday at the Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery…This striking image is of “Bloody Bill” Anderson, a not...
05/07/2026

Step into history this Saturday at the Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery…

This striking image is of “Bloody Bill” Anderson, a notorious Confederate guerrilla involved in the Centralia Massacre during the Civil War. While his story is one of violence and conflict, it connects directly to a remarkable piece of history right here in Santa Rosa—the only surviving Union soldier from that massacre is buried in our cemetery.

Join us for a General History Tour and uncover stories like this and many more.

📅 Saturday, May 9
⏰ Tours begin from 10:00–11:00 a.m.
🚶‍♂️ Four tours depart every 20 minutes

Come explore the lives, legends, and little-known connections that make our cemetery such a fascinating place.

Admission is FREE; donations appreciated. Note: uneven surfaces and slopes.
Pre-registration is available and will ensure you a spot at the time you request.

Call the City at 707-543-3737
or go to the City website (below) and select the link to the Event you are interested in. At the ticketing site, you may need to select 'Tours' under 'Tours and Special Events'
https://www.srcity.org/1080/Tours-Events

Join us on Memorial Day for a Tour of the Veterans' buried in the Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery.
05/02/2026

Join us on Memorial Day for a Tour of the Veterans' buried in the Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery.

Address

1600 Franklin Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA
95404

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