About Mount Olivet Cemetery

History

In 1910, author T.J.C. Williams wrote began the preface for his masterful work The History of Frederick County by stating:

"The History of Frederick County is not merely a local history. It is a history of men and events of national importance and interest."

The same can certainly be said about Frederick's most famous burying ground. Mount Olivet Cemetery has often been referred to as "Frederick's Other City." This is the eternal resting place of past politicians and preachers, noted business persons, lawyers, educators and inventors. Brave soldiers reside here in peaceful repose, far from their once "perilous fight." Common everyday people—men, women and children were laid to rest in Mount Olivet Cemetery. They all represent the past "lifeblood" of our community, all connected as those who inhabited this special part of Maryland at one point or another within Frederick's 270+ year history.

For better or worse, these people impacted the Frederick (city and county) we know, love and cherish today. Many made lasting contributions to national and state history. Educators grew future minds to lead, while inventors built conveniences to improve existence and productivity. Others led humble lives as hard-working farmers, homemakers and mechanics. Some died tragically, far too young, before making their mark on the community or world. All the residents within Mount Olivet Cemetery lived lives, ones that were equally important by impacting others be them students, constituents, customers or more importantly as parents, grandparents, sons, daughters, sisters, or brothers.

Today, nearly 40,000 graves are occupied, rivaling the living population of our state capital of Annapolis. Eight miles of paved roadway criss-cross the spacious cemetery grounds, allowing for recreational usage by walkers, runners and cyclists acting in a reverent and respectable manner. In addition, the cemetery proudly welcomes history and art lovers, family genealogists, photographers and ​​"tombstone tourists" of all ages.