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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.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING?

Join us at Pioneers Rest Cemetery for our monthly volunteer cleanup days! It's a great way to give back to the community, preserve our historic grounds, and connect with fellow history enthusiasts. 

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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How to Donate

To donate, please use the following methods:

  • Zelle: 817-332-8515

  • Venmo: @PioneersRestCemetery

  • 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.

Flowers at the Gates 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.

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