From: Elmore County Historical Society
Wetumpka, AL
Elmore County was created by the Alabama legislature in 1866 from parts of Autauga, Coosa, Montgomery, and Tallapoosa counties. It was named for Gen. John Archer Elmore, a veteran of the American Revolution and early settler of Alabama. Wetumpka, the county seat, was incorporated in 1834 and became the home to many who moved to the area for newly opened lands after the Creek War. The Wetumpka City Cemetery became the final resting place for many of these early settlers and others who helped define the future of the city we know today.
The Wetumpka City Cemetery traces its beginning back to an anonymous article published on May 25, 1842, in the Wetumpka Argus. Signed by “Humanity”, the author expressed the sincere desire that the city council, “aided by private contributions for the purpose, purchase a suitable spot of ground, say two acres in extent… that persons who may be desirous of doing so, may have the privilege of purchasing a plot for a family burial place.” Since that time, it is estimated that over 3,000 burials have taken place in the Wetumpka City Cemetery, and burials continue to this day.
On Sunday, October 26, the Elmore County Historical Society will host a Cemetery Tour from 4 – 6 pm. Visitors will learn about the life of some of Elmore County’s earliest and often colorful characters portrayed by local volunteers. Each year, the Society chooses new individuals to portray. This year characters include a Civil War surgeon, a colorful attorney, a WWII gunner, a young socialite, Wetumpka’s City Marshal, and more!
Tickets may be purchased in advance for $5 at the Elmore County History Museum or the Wetumpka Library. Tickets are also available the day of the event. Proceeds go to support local historic preservation efforts. For more information, please contact the Elmore County Museum at 334-567-5097. The event is sponsored by the City of Wetumpka and all proceeds go to support the efforts of the Elmore County Historical Society. The Wetumpka City Cemetery is located at 776 Holtville Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092.
