Pioneers Rest Cemetery
Welcome to
Pioneers Rest Cemetery
A Historic Landmark in Fort Worth -
Established in 1850, just a year after Fort Worth was founded by Major Ripley Arnold, Pioneers Rest Cemetery holds a significant place in the city's history. Overlooking the confluence of the Clear and West Forks of the Trinity River, it originally served as the primary burial ground for the military outpost and later for the burgeoning city. Even after other cemeteries were established in 1879, Pioneers Rest remained a vital resting place for Fort Worth's early residents and their descendants.
The cemetery is the final resting place for numerous notable figures, including two of Major Arnold’s young children, eleven soldiers from the fort, and some of Fort Worth’s earliest pioneers, such as General Tarrant, the namesake of Tarrant County. Visitors can explore a diverse collection of grave markers that showcase funerary motifs and designs from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries, including Gothic, Egyptian, Classical Revival, and Rustic styles.
Spanning approximately seven acres, Pioneers Rest Cemetery was proudly listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2021, cementing its status as a cherished historical site in Fort Worth.
Our Valued Benefactors
Honoring Those Who Support Pioneers Rest
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our benefactors, whose generous contributions help us preserve the rich history and heritage of Pioneers Rest Cemetery in Fort Worth, TX. Their support enables us to continue our mission of maintaining this historic site and hosting community events such as Fall Fest. Below are the esteemed benenfactors who have made a significant impact through their generosity.
Diamond - $1,000 +
Marcia Fuller French
Cecelia Van Donselaar
Matt Dixon
Michael Darter
Platinum - $500-$999
Paul and Wendy Blanton
Virginia Brown
Melissa and Paul Hunter
Karen Stetler
Janey & James Korth
Nan & Mark Matson
Gold - $300-$499
Sam A. ‘Alex’ Denny
Madeline and Jim McLain
David Hart, Painting
Silver - $100-$299
Loretta Black
Mary Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Buckley
Sam B. Cantey Family
Jo Carpenter
William ‘Bill’ Collins, Jr.
Lane Crabtree
Matt Dixon
JoAnn Mouser
Allen & Charmaine Williams
Malinda and Dennis Crumly
Megan Salas
Silver - $100-$299
Diana Lussier
Jerry Wallace
Donna and Tim Weddle
Julia Jackson Chapter -
(United Daughters of the Confederacy)
Roots Garden Center
Christy Cruz
Susie and Douglas Pritchett
Fred Cheek Monuments
Merrell Daggett
Michele Elekes
Loretta Shumway
National Credit Finance Corporation
With deep appreciation, we honor our benefactors for their vital support in safeguarding the legacy of Pioneers Rest Cemetery. Their generosity preserves our past and nurtures our community’s future.
Preserve Our Heritage: Donate to Pioneers Rest Cemetery
Your generous donations help preserve the historic Pioneers Rest Cemetery, ensuring it remains a cherished landmark for future generations. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact in honoring and maintaining Fort Worth’s rich history. Please join us in our mission by donating today and help us continue this vital work.
Ground Maintenance
We need your support to hire maintenance workers for mowing and upkeep of the grounds, $20,000 of tree trimming across the seven acres, and ensuring proper watering and care. Your donations directly contribute to preserving the beauty and history of Pioneers Rest Cemetery. Join us in keeping this cherished landmark well-maintained for future generations.
Support Restoration and Preservation Efforts
Your donations are vital for repairing hundreds of headstones, providing replacement markers for approximately 300 unmarked burial sites, and undertaking essential repairs on the sexton's cottage. Currently, we have two projects underway: beautifying the maintenance shed and revitalizing the gates to restore the main entrance. Additionally, your contributions help us continue our nationally recognized QR Code Program, which allows visitors to access biographies of those interred via smartphones. Your support helps us preserve the history and beauty of Pioneers Rest Cemetery for future generations. Please donate today to make these projects possible.
Current Projects Underway
Thanks to past support, we are excited to announce that we have begun two important projects: beautifying the maintenance shed and revitalizing the gates to restore the main entrance. Your continued support makes these efforts possible and helps preserve the historic charm of Pioneers Rest Cemetery.
How to Donate
To donate, please use the following methods:
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Zelle: 817-332-8515
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Venmo: @PioneersRestCemetery
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Mail a check to: Pioneers Rest Cemetery Association
PO Box 100294
Fort Worth, TX 76185 -
PayPal:
Your support is greatly appreciated and makes a significant impact on preserving the history and beauty of Pioneers Rest Cemetery.
QR Codes -
Gone but not Forgotten
Lamont at Large, a prominent YouTuber known for his "Forgotten in Death" series, recently caught wind of our QR Codes through a news broadcast. Taking advantage of his proximity, he chose Pioneers Rest Cemetery as the centerpiece of one of his latest video features. Through our QR Codes, countless stories that might otherwise have been consigned to obscurity in death are now vividly recalled and celebrated. This project still needs expanding to incorporate as many stories as possible.