One of the High Desert’s most historic sites has been acquired by the San Bernardino County Museum for future preservation.
The Gold Rush-era Oro Grande Cemetery, which dates back to 1852, is home to approximately 132 marked graves, and several unmarked graves believed to belong to Native Americans.
“As a branch of the San Bernardino County Museum, the cemetery is overseen by a team of curators, including Curators of History and Anthropology, who will research, preserve, and interpret the site,” said David L. Myers, Director of San Bernardino County Museums. “Initial upgrades will include new interpretation and signage which will engage visitors and increase understanding of the site’s significance.”
Open by appointment only, the cemetery is the oldest in San Bernardino County, and also a California Point of Historical Interest.
In the center of the cemetery, you’ll find a memorial for Lt. Manuel P. Rodriguez who was killed while serving in the Philippines on January 16, 1942. His Purple Heart is on display at the Victor Valley Museum. The Oro Grande Cemetery is located at 1313 Olive Street in Oro Grande. Contact the main museum at (909) 798-8608 to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit museum.sbcounty.gov/oro-grande-cemetery