Little-Known Mesa Colorado Cemetery Dates Back to the Early 1800s

The next time you drive Western Colorado's Grand Mesa, take a quick detour at the town of Mesa. Just outside of town you'll find an awesome cemetery with residents dating back to the early 1800s.

You'll find the cemetery just 1.2 miles north of town. Given its remote location, it's unlikely one would simply stumble upon the cemetery. Here's where you'll find it.

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Cemetery in Mesa, Colorado

According to Find a Grave, the Mesa Cemetery is home to 665 memorials. What I found surprising were the dates on the headstones. Many of the cemetery's residents, maybe even the majority of them, lived in the mid and late 1800s. Some date back to the early 1800s.

How To Find the Mesa Cemetery

In this case, you'll have to go out of your way to find the cemetery. It's nowhere near the main drag through town.

When you arrive in Mesa, Colorado on Highway 65, you'll turn north on KE Road. After a mile or so, the road will make a natural curve heading west. Shortly after the curve, you'll spot the cemetery on the south side of the road.

If you enjoy the outdoors, you might consider walking from town. The 1.2-mile walk through the residential area will take you about 23 minutes.

For those who are more technologically sophisticated than I am, and that's pretty much anyone, the coordinates are 39.16788087170576, -108.11892850478712.

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Fascinating Little Cemetery

When I visited the Mesa Cemetery on Sunday, July 24, 2022, the area was taking a much-needed break from the 100-degree heat. It was overcast, 75 degrees, and experiencing light rain. In other words, perfect conditions for visiting a cemetery.

According to the sign at the gate, the cemetery was established in 1912. Interestingly, a significant percentage of the graves predate 1912.

My parents were both cemetery enthusiasts, also known as tombstone tourists. I never understood this fascination. If you enjoy visiting cemeteries, though, you'll find the Mesa Cemetery possesses all the charm you'd expect from a smaller community. The drive up the Grand Mesa is always pleasant. The extra mile to the cemetery is well worth the time.

Take a Tour of the Cemetery in Mesa, Colorado

Did you know the unincorporated community of Mesa, Colorado is home to a small and exremely awesome little cemetery. Take a quick tour, and pay close attention to the dates on the headstones.

Western Colorado People Enjoying Their Lives - Robert Grant Photos Found In a Box

Here's another gallery showcasing Robert Grant photos from Grand Junction and Western Colorado. These were found in a box marked "People Identified." Images in this gallery range from the 1950s up to 1985.