LEWISTON — A self-guided historical tour is available for Riverside Cemetery, 192 Summer St.
Founded shortly after Lewiston was incorporated as a city, the cemetery spans more than 40 acres and contains more than 9,000 graves, including those of many of the area’s most historical figures. That includes Civil War generals, mayors, governors, and founders of the Sun Journal, Central Maine Medical Center and Bates College, according to a news release from Joan Macri, president, board of trustees, Riverside Cemetery.
Designed in 1854 as a garden or rural cemetery, local citizens were encouraged to stroll the grounds of Riverside to view the mature trees, views of the Androscoggin River, and examples of 19th and 20th century funereal art.
The Riverside Cemetery Board of Trustees, in an effort to share some of the stories of those who call Riverside their final resting place, have created the first of a series of self-guided walking tours introducing visitors to the stories of these individuals.
They also include a woman doctor who graduated from Bates College in 1901 and became a world-famous virologist, a 24-year-old killed at Gettysburg, and a Lewiston High School graduate who became Babe Ruth’s favorite managers.
To start this first self-guided tour, enter the cemetery gates from Riverside or Summer Streets. The granite sign to the left contains a map and tour highlights.
For more information, call 207-782-1686.
Check out other upcoming area events!
Copy the Story LinkComments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
