Mount Hope Cemetery: A Historic San Diego Landmark

Since 1869, Mount Hope Cemetery has offered San Diego citizens affordable interment options. Nestled within beautiful grounds and rolling hills, this cemetery is home to historically significant monuments dedicated to some of the city's most notable figures.

Historical Significance

Formation and Expansion:
In 1869, a citizen committee, led by Alonzo Horton—regarded as the father of modern San Diego—was tasked with establishing a new municipal cemetery to replace earlier ones that no longer met the needs of the growing community. The committee selected Mount Hope Cemetery, which officially opened in 1871. Horton himself is buried here, adding to the cemetery's historical importance.

Over the years, Mount Hope Cemetery has expanded to include burial areas originally designated for the International Order of Foresters, Masonic Lodge, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the County of San Diego Indigent Burial Program. In February 1973, a Veteran's Section was dedicated in honor of all San Diego veterans. The cemetery now spans 110 usable acres, with 80 acres currently in use and over 76,000 interments.

Notable Burials

San Diego Pioneers and Influential Figures:

• Elisha Babcock: Builder of the iconic Hotel del Coronado.
• Dr. Charles Merwin Fenn: A founding member of the San Diego Medical Society.
• Gertrude Gilbert: Instrumental in preserving the Exposition buildings in Balboa Park.
• Irving Gill: Pioneer of the modern movement in architecture.
• Nathan Harrison: An early pioneer in the San Diego region and San Diego County's first African-American homesteader.
• George W. Marston: A merchant who played a significant role in establishing Balboa Park, the San Diego Public Library and the Serra Museum.
• Ah Quinn: A merchant, farmer and leader in the Chinese Mission.
• Kate Sessions: San Diego's pioneering horticulturist.
• Six San Diego Mayors: Including Matthew Sherman, who developed the Sherman Heights community.

Other Prominent Individuals:

• Gustaf Kletus Akerlundh: Member of Capt. Roald Amundsen's 1903 expedition to the magnetic North Pole.
• Sam Brannan: An early Mormon pioneer and member of San Francisco's first city council.
• Raymond Chandler: Novelist and screenwriter known for creating the detective character Philip Marlowe.
• Ervin "Big Boy" Groves: R&B singer and composer.
• Alta M. Hulett: The first female attorney in Illinois.
• Kate Morgan: The reputed ghost of the Hotel del Coronado.
• Robert Waterman: California governor.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information, visit San Diego Cemeteries: A Brief Guide and scroll down to the Mount Hope section. You can also explore the digital archives of Mount Hope Cemetery, which are available on the City Clerk's Office website.

Location:
Mount Hope Cemetery is conveniently situated near downtown San Diego at 3751 Market St., San Diego, CA 92102.

Hours of Operation:

• Cemetery Grounds: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Business Office: Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Burial Lots and Services:
Burial lots are currently available. For detailed information on availability, pricing, payment plans, and the fee waiver program, please contact the Business Office at 619-527-3400. 

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