As the days grow shorter and the October breeze turns crisp, it’s easy for our thoughts to drift to eerie places. The historic cemeteries of Sault Ste. Marie, with their long-forgotten graves, evoke a sense of mystery and history that lingers in the air. From unmarked graves in dense forests to official burial grounds, the cemeteries tell tales of the past, offering a glimpse into the lives and hardships of those who lived in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
Explore four historic cemeteries in Sault Ste. Marie, each with a unique and sometimes haunting past.
1. Maple Ridge Cemetery
Located on Ashmun Street, Maple Ridge Cemetery is a well-known landmark, often overlooked by passing cars. Established in 1874, the cemetery reached capacity by 1901, with nearly 200-300 burials. The high mortality rate reflects the harsh conditions in the region during that era.
One of the more peculiar entries from 1896 describes a man who was a hypnotist and entertainer, who died just before a planned performance. His body was kept for days to confirm his death, a rare and eerie practice at the time. You can now explore the digitally preserved records of the burials online, and Maple Ridge is recognized as a historical site in Sault Ste. Marie.
2. Mission Hill Cemetery
Just a 20-minute drive west of Sault Ste. Marie, Mission Hill Cemetery overlooks the majestic Lake Superior. This serene spot is the resting place of many Native Americans and victims of shipwrecks, claimed by the unpredictable waters of Lake Superior. In 1919, the SS Myron steamship was lost in a storm, with eight sailors washing ashore months later, frozen in ice. Their remains were laid to rest here, and a plaque honors their memory.
3. Riverside Cemetery
Established in 1890 on Riverside Drive, this cemetery expanded in 1901 to include a Catholic section due to overcrowding at Maple Ridge. Riverside Cemetery is known for its peaceful atmosphere, with headstones bearing the names of families who continue to live in the area. It also contains a special section for military veterans.
However, beyond the manicured plots lies a forgotten area, overgrown and abandoned. This part of Riverside was intended to fade into obscurity, but it remains a poignant reminder of the city’s past.
4. Potter’s Field at Riverside Cemetery
Behind Riverside Cemetery’s main grounds lies Potter’s Field, a final resting place for over 280 individuals. A “potter’s field” is a term from the Bible, used to describe a burial ground for the destitute or unclaimed. Many of those buried here were impoverished or outsiders, with no loved ones to see them off.
Despite the bleak history, efforts by researchers like Caroline Grabowski of the Chippewa County Historical Society have shed light on the lives of those interred here. Their stories, often of despair, have been recovered from historical records, reminding us of the harsh realities of life in the early 20th century Upper Peninsula.
Cemeteries often stir a mix of emotions—peace for some, and an eerie unease for others. In a place as old as Sault Ste. Marie, the rich history and ghostly legends of the past can make you feel as though the spirits of yesterday still walk among us. Next time you pass these historic cemeteries, take a moment to reflect on the stories they hold.
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