History of Cortez Cemetery

On January 5, 1892, George S. Todd sold to the Cortez Cemetery Association - approximately 5 acres of land for $75.00. (This is the first documentation of the existence of the Cortez Cemetery Association.) These 5 acres of land were part of Mr. Todd’s Apple Orchard. His residence was located where the radio station now stands.

The 1st burial recorded was Rev. Joel Harper, pastor of the 1st Congregational Church in Cortez. He was buried on December 29, 1890 - in the oldest section of the cemetery. From the early 1890’s up until the early 1900’s, few burials were recorded. Some of these records of the burials in the old section - includes the Todd family and Civil War Veterans.

On April 1, 1919, the Cortez Cemetery Association became Incorporated. In 1936, under the supervision of Charles Constantine, of Cortez Cemetery Association, with funds received from the Cortez Merchants, the cemetery underwent vast improvements on the grounds. On December 31, 1954, Cortez Cemetery Association changes to the Cortez Cemetery District. These changes were made to benefit the cemetery.

As of today, Cortez Cemetery has approximately 33 acres of land. There are 7000 gravesites on 15 1/2 acres of land, with the remaining 17 acres being prepared for future use.

Cortez Cemetery District
27741 Highway 160
Cortez, Colorado 81321
Phone# (970) 565-1050
Email: cortezcemetery@hotmail.com

Last updated May 15, 2008