FUNERARY GROUNDS: IDAHO SPRINGS CEMETERY
Originally published on July 16, 2020.
Idaho Springs Cemetery, also known as ‘Pioneer Cemetery’ is immediately breathtaking. Sitting on a hillside alongside Chicago Creek, south of the town, it holds a mysteriousness that climbs up the landscape it resides on. If one can get to the top of the hill, not only will they be able to admire the cemetery itself but with it, the scenery surrounding of gorgeous trees, vegetation, mountains, and the expansive, open sky above. The first cemetery established in the 1860’s, was unfortunately destroyed in a flood and the new cemetery was established in 1874 and is actually the third one to exist since Idaho Springs was an officially settled into. Idaho Springs Cemetery is still functioning and there are many plots still available.
My first visit to this cemetery was long overdue, as I had been actively longing to make my entrance through its gates for many years. I couldn’t say why it took so long, maybe the timing was off or maybe I needed the perfect day to finally stumble upon its vastness. When I finally walked up through the entrance, I let out a huge sigh of relief. I had made it. It took a whole day of trying to avoid the world to get there, but indeed I had made it. I knew it was going to be beautiful, I just didn’t know how much so. It was quiet and I could finally hear my own thoughts. I had been feeling so out of touch with my true inner self, but once I stood inside the cemetery and could walk around, talk, and commune - the Dead and Idaho Springs Cemetery quickly reminded me of who I was and my purpose for being here. I saw more symbols on graves here, specifically some urns, ‘In Memory Of’ associations and writings. This place had (metaphorically) pure glory of existence plastered all over it. I could of laid there forever and surely, I wanted to. It invoked a different kind of calmness that I hadn’t felt in quiet some time and maybe that was because life had been so full of chaotic energy, unknowns and void space, or maybe that is truly the energy that resides here. I highly recommend one making their way to experience all that is Idaho Spring Cemetery, especially if a little escape of life and some grounding is needed. I know that my words certainly cannot do it justice.
Till next time.
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// Red Fox Lane Idaho Springs, Clear Creek County, Colorado, 80452 //