Minneapolis Pioneers and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery

Established in 1853, Minneapolis Pioneers and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in Minneapolis and the only cemetery in Minnesota listed as an individual landmark on the National Register of Historic Sites. Despite the cemetery's historical significance, The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota named it one of Minnesota’s Ten Most Endangered Historic Places in 2008. Pollution, vandalism, and natural aging have all taken their toll.

The cemetery’s decorative steel fence and gates are in desperate need of repair. Built in 1928, the fence is the cemetery’s best protection against vandalism. The fence is 1,953 feet long and contains 3,510 pickets. Estimates for repairing the fence range from $750,000 to $1,000,000. To date, we have $350,000 in state and city funds allocated to restoring the fence and other grant requests are pending.