The Foundational Years: A City in Crisis (1817 – 1850)
Early 1800s (Hempstead Lot) The oldest known grave on the property (part of the Hempstead family farm) dates back to this time, predating the cemetery's official incorporation. This lot, dating to 1817, is the oldest in the cemetery.
1840s (St. Louis Population Explodes) Fueled by river trade and immigration, St. Louis experienced explosive growth, necessitating a new burial solution. The city jumped from 4,977 residents in 1830 to 77,860 residents in 1850, making it the eighth-largest city in the US.
June 1849 (Cholera Epidemic Hits) A severe cholera crisis strikes St. Louis, resulting in the deaths of 4,317 people (nearly seven percent of the population), accelerating the immediate need for a new rural cemetery.
1849 (Bellefontaine Cemetery Incorporates & Hotchkiss Arrives) Led by banker William McPherson, Trustees purchase 138 acres north of the city. Bellefontaine becomes the first rural cemetery west of the Mississippi River. Landscape architect Almerin Hotchkiss, formerly of Green-Wood Cemetery in New York, arrives as Ground Superintendent and begins laying out the grounds, roads, and plantings over the original 138 acres.
1850 (Dedication and Renaming) The site is dedicated on May 15. The association is renamed the Bellefontaine Cemetery Association, referencing the former military post (Fort Bellefontaine) and the bordering route (Bellefontaine Road). The cemetery was planned to be situated "not less than two miles" from the city limits due to health concerns and rising real estate values.
Expansion and Modernization (1850 – 1930s)
1849 – 1871 (Grounds Expansion) The cemetery purchases additional land, including a part of John O’Fallon’s estate, bringing the total acreage to 314 acres.
Post-Civil War (Hotchkiss’s Plantings) Hotchkiss begins to introduce non-traditional plantings, including white pine, Norway spruce, and balsam, diversifying the arboreal landscape.
1878 (Amaranth Gate Completed) The Amaranth Gate is built near the southeastern corner of the property, following the completion of the northern sector of Kingshighway, improving city access.
Late 1800s (Landscape-Lawn Movement Adopted) Inspired by modern design trends, Bellefontaine removes ornate Victorian fences, hedges, and copings to create open, unified, cross-lawn views, resulting in the integrated, park-like aesthetic seen today.
1892 (Wainwright Tomb) The iconic Wainwright Tomb, designed by Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler, is completed.
1904 (General William Clark Memorial) The obelisk and bust commemorating explorer General William Clark (1770–1838) is erected, becoming the cemetery’s most visited memorial.
1908 – 1913 (Automobile Access Granted) Automobile access is gradually granted to lot owners, leading to the removal of restrictions to accommodate changing times. Initial restrictions included a five-mile-per-hour speed limit and forbidding vehicles "driven by women or children."
1908 – 1909 (Hotchkiss Chapel Construction) Eames & Young designs the new receiving tomb and chapel, constructed overlooking the Mississippi River.
1915 (Busch Mausoleum) The majestic Romanesque Busch Mausoleum for Adolphus Busch is completed.
1920s – 1930s (Major Infrastructure Projects) Stone walls, wrought iron fencing, a new office, comfort station, and the Hawthorn Gatehouse are added, largely defining the cemetery’s appearance today.
1931 (Financial Stewardship Reinforced) Due to the onset of the Great Depression, the cemetery's expenses exceed its income for the first time, reinforcing the importance of the permanent endowment for perpetual care.
Arboretum Status and Modern Legacy (Post 1990s – Today)
1990s (Community Partnerships) The Cemetery Association begins working to cultivate community development, partnering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and New Sunny Mount Baptist Church.
2008 (Cascade Mausoleum) The Cascade Mausoleum is dedicated, offering modern resting places and a distinctive piece of 21st-century architecture.
2012 (Level II Arboretum and Master Plan) The grounds are formally recognized for their horticultural diversity, achieving Level II Arboretum Certification. A Master Plan is completed to guide future preservation and land use.
2018 – 2022 (Dedicated Trail System Development) New public walking trails are completed across the grounds, establishing BCA as a premier destination for hiking, bird watching, and nature reflection.
2023 (Level III Arboretum Certification) BCA achieves the prestigious Level III Accreditation, recognizing its exceptional dedication to tree conservation and diversity (over 2,500 species).
2024 – 2025 (Labyrinth Construction) A meditative labyrinth is completed, adding a new dimension of quiet contemplation and reflection to the landscape.
2025: CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ENHANCEMENTS
- Hotchkiss Chapel & Columbarium: Renovations are completed, securing its historic floor and upgrading facilities.
- Lakeside Columbarium (WWV): The roof on the Lakeside Columbarium in Wildwood Valley Gardens is replaced.
- Amaranth House and Gatehouse: Total refurbishment is currently underway, with completion expected in 2026, providing multi-purpose educational spaces.
- Hawthorn Gatehouse: Total refurbishment is currently underway, with completion expected in 2026. This building will serve as a small welcome center and accessible public restrooms.
- Historic Interpretive Trail Installation and Expansion: New trails (Lewis and Clark Trailhead, Public Lot 001 Accessible Trail, and Prospect Trail) are currently underway, with completion expected in 2026.
2026 (Projected) The large-scale renovation of the main Gatehouse continues, focusing on structural preservation and enhancing visitor facilities.
Today Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum (BCA) reflects its dual purpose as a National Historic Landmark and a vital Level III Accredited Arboretum, welcoming the community for remembrance and nature engagement across its fourteen miles of curved roadways.
