Melvin-Lewis Pioneer Cemetery in Aurora, Colorado
Tucked behind an unassuming Chick-Fil-A sits a small, 200x120 feet patch of grass bordered by a wrought iron fence. Behind the gates, the area houses the remains of early settlers as well as the ashes of over hundreds of others spanning over a century. In the days when this was still pioneer country, the place was known as the Melvin community, gathered around John and Jane Melvin’s ranch, the…
In the heart of Aurora, Colorado, Melvin-Lewis Pioneer Cemetery quietly preserves the remains of early settlers and those who donated their bodies to science. Tucked away behind a Chick-Fil-A and surrounded by a wrought iron fence, the cemetery spans a mere 200 by 120 feet. Despite its small size, it holds the remains of early pioneers who gathered around John and Jane Melvin’s ranch, known as the Melvin community.
The site was initially established as an important stopping point for westward travelers, providing them with a place to eat, sleep, and rest their horses. However, as pioneers passed away, they too were laid to rest on the same property. Over time, the ranch was sold and eventually became the property of the University of Colorado, undergoing several more changes in ownership as the surrounding landscape transformed.
It wasn't until 2002 that the Melvin-Lewis Cemetery became a peaceful remnant of the old community amidst the development of a busy shopping center. The developer committed to preserving the cemetery, which now features a black iron fence and gate bearing the name Melvin-Lewis Cemetery. The grounds hold not only the remains of early settlers but also the ashes of approximately 1,600 individuals who contributed to scientific knowledge.
This cemetery is a unique blend of history, serving as a resting place for both those who shaped the pioneer era and those whose contributions extended beyond their time.
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