west side of River St. in Ypsilanti.

Civil War Veterans Monument

Front Entrance - Fall 2012

Left side of Starkweather Memorial Chapel
Erected 1889 by Mrs. Mary A. Starkweather to the memory of her husband. Presented to Highland Cemetery Association

This historical marker sits at the entrance to the cemetery. The top part of the sign says "Washtenaw County Historical District Commission."The sign reads "Highland is typical of the "rural tradition" cemetery design which emphasizes its natural setting. This design originated in France and was first seen in Greenwood Cemetery in New York. Highland Cemetery, as well as Forest Hill in Ann Arbor, was designed by James Glenn, a landscape architect from Niles Michigan. Dedicated on July 14, 1864, Highland Cemetery served as the final resting place for Ypsilanti's pioneer, commercial, social and educational community. Mary Anne Starkweather commissioned the Richardson Romanesque chapel designed by George Mason in honor of her husband, John, which crowns the entry drive. The oldest gravesite is that of Walter Oakman. His body and dozens of others were moved to Highland from Pioneer and Prospect Cemeteries."

Highland Cemetery, Ypsilanti, MI site map

Hours of Operation

In honor of black civil war troops almost 40 buried at Highland