About Us
The Greenwood Cemetery History
The Greenwood Cemetery is a nonprofit, non-sectarian cemetery located in White Township, Indiana County near the borough of Indiana, PA. Officially incorporated in June 1879 on an initial tract of 16 acres purchased from the Taylor family, its first recorded burial took place that October, for 24-year-old Olive Singer.
Although formally established in 1879, evidence suggests that graves existed on the property before incorporation, indicating earlier use as a burial site. Over time, additional tracts of land were added, with land acquisitions continuing through 1947, to reach the cemetery’s present 112 developed acres. Another 65 acres remain available for future development.
The cemetery’s design and layout were the work of a professional gardener from London whose plan featured lots and sections arranged in unique shapes with wide, graceful driveways. In 1957, the cemetery board initiated a project to develop some of the acreage overlooking Indiana Hospital into three landscaped sections now known as the Gardens of Devotion, the Good Shepherd, and Christus. These gardens quickly grew in popularity, and in 1979, a fourth-the Garden of Prayers-was added.
Recognizing the increased interest in cremations as an interment option, The Greenwood Cemetery board of managers erected a 48 niche columbarium in the early 2000’s. The Garden of Peace was more recently developed to house this original columbarium and an additional unit, and currently provides 96 niches within a landscaped area adjacent to the four gardens.
By 2003, it was estimated there were between 12,000 and 16,000 burials in The Greenwood Cemetery. Since 2004, an additional 2,000-3,000 additional burials have been documented – a strong testament to generations of careful stewardship, community care, and respectful dedication to the families of The Greenwood Cemetery.
Our Recognitions
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Indiana County Chapter, presented Greenwood Cemetery with its United States Patriotic Flag Display Award on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The award recognizes the proper and patriotic display of the large American flags flown year-round throughout the cemetery grounds.
From Memorial Day through Veterans Day, civic organizations honor veterans by placing U.S. flags on individual graves. Cemetery staff also work closely with local funeral homes and the Indiana County Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that every veteran is remembered with an appropriate military grave marker and a government-issued military plate.
Greenwood Cemetery holds a rich history, reflected in the many notable individuals laid to rest within its grounds. Among them are former state and local elected officials, members of the IUP/Indiana State Normal School community, soldiers who fought in the Civil War, as well as the parents and one sister of Indiana’s most famous son, James Stewart.
Our Continuing Commitment
The Greenwood Cemetery has always been more than a place of eternal rest – it is an integral part of the community’s story. Both its corporate and managerial boards meet regularly, taking seriously their responsibility and privilege to provide careful planning, wise resource use, and thoughtful financial stewardship.
Their focus remains on honoring the past while meeting the needs of today and preparing for the future. Through their dedication, the grounds of The Greenwood Cemetery continue to be a place of beauty, reflection, and remembrance for generations to come.
Jimmy Stewart's Family Gravesite
The Greenwood Cemetery is also the resting place of several members of the family of Indiana’s most famous, Jimmy Stewart. His parents, Alexander Maitland Stewart and Elizabeth Ruth Jackson Stewart, along with one of his sisters, Virginia Kelly Stewart, are interred together on the grounds.
Greenwood Cemetery Grounds
Our cemetery map provides a clear view of the grounds, helping families and visitors find burial sections, garden areas, and important locations throughout the property.
