At Rest in Nature

Prior to 1900, there were no cemeteries in the community of Douglas, Alaska, located on Douglas Island. Burials were conducted across Gastineau Channel, in Juneau. By 1898, the citizens of Douglas and the adjacent Treadwell mining camp sought to construct a cemetery. In 1900, residents raised over a thousand dollars in two months. It is worth noting the average daily wage was approximately three dollars. The cemetery itself was eventually divided into nine sections. These sections were then purchased by community groups. Largest of these were the City Cemetery, Eagles, Odd Fellows, Masons, and Catholics. Other smaller areas were designated for Serbians, Asians, Natives, and Russian Orthodox. Over the years, ownership of the land has been difficult to establish. A fire in the mid-1930s destroyed many community records, and many markers have disappeared or been lost to the rainforest. The cemetery is no longer visible from the road, with the exception of the Catholic Cemetery. This marker is located in the Native Cemetery, adjacent to the Catholic Cemetery. By documenting these sites, I hope to honor those who passed before me, and to document an important piece of Juneau History.
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