The first person to be buried on this land was a sailor known simply as Brooks. That year, 1855, when the land was still known only as Potter's Fields, seven others were also buried, beginning the establishment of St. Catharines' largest and most historically significant cemetery.

Officially opened in 1856 as St. Catharines Cemetery, it was unusual in that it was an all-denominational burial ground, virtually unheard of in the 1800s. While plots in different sections were assigned to various religious denominations, all residents, regardless of denomination, were to be buried in the cemetery.

Opening just four years before the outbreak of the American Civil War there was also a large number of Blacks buried in here: in fact, nearly one-third of all burials were recorded as "coloured." Many of these people were buried in the area originally known as Potter's Field.

This site holds some of the most important and influential figures of St. Catharines' history. These graves include Rev. Anthony Burns, Hon. William Hamilton Merritt, and Dr. Theophilus Mack. As well, a number of Canadian veterans are buried in this cemetery.

Carillion Tower

The Davella Mills Memorial Carilllonic Bells and Chime Tower was designed by Architect Thomas A. Wiley and constructed by Newman Brothers, general contractors. The dedication ceremony took place on 2 June 1950. There are two sets of bells in the Carillon. One set of 25 electronic bells produces tones equivalent to those of English type cast bells and the other set of 61 electronic bells produces tones equivalent to those of Flemish cast bells. The original sound equipment also included an auxiliary record player so that music other than that of bells could be amplified and projected from the tower. The Carillon is now operated by compact disc and is set to play on the hour from 8 am to 9 pm with some additional plays around noon.  

Mausoleums

The Cullinen Mausoleum was built in 1918 and is the final resting place of two past mayors, William Burgoyne and Alexander Marquis. The unique style of the Cullinen mausoleum is limited to only five others in Ontario.

Veterans Section

The Veterans section is designated to ensure the uniform and dignified respect of all Veterans of World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The Royal Canadian Legion places the National Flag for Decoration Day and sanctions the placing of flags of other nations for this occasion. Decoration Day, is held annually on the first Sunday of June.

Three monuments commemorate the courage of the Veterans; a large cross between section V and WW; an older one between sections A and V, and a smaller Korean Veterans Association monument in section V.