Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Within this block, known since 1959 as Krog Park, lie the bodies of many early settlers of Washington. The town of Bassora was founded October 8, 1836, and this block was set aside for the city's cemetery in 1847. This cemetery received the remains of bodies disinterred from an early Washington Cemetery located near the present City Hall. Eventually Bassora was annexed by a rapidly growing Washington. Burial of dead human beings within the city limits of Washington was prohibited by an ordinance passed in 1880. Bassora cemetery was officially closed in 1883. In 1926, the city agreed with the directors of the new hospital, that the cemetery had become derelict and should be eliminated. The majority of the remains were not moved, and remain buried here. Grave markers still visible in 1959, when the cemetery was dedicated as Krog Park, were buried at that time. Washington Historical Society in 1997 began a drive to obtain monies for this monument for those who remain buried here. Of special note, the founders of Washington, William and Lucinda Owens, are buried here. The list of names on this monument is the result of extensive research by the Washington Historical Society. It is unknown exactly how many persons may still lie buried here. Therefore, we dedicate this monument to the memory of those known and unknown early settlers of our community who lie buried beneath the sod on this beautiful park. Their determination and foresight was the foundation for the enterprising spirit which continues in our city today.

Comments (0)

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment