Our Historical Cemetery

We are located in the heart of Morris County, rich with history. First Presbyterian Church of Rockaway is part of this richness. Our historical cemetery serves many purposes and is an active burial ground. The cemetery offers for burial: family, single, and double lots. We also have a new columbarium (a structure with built-in niches that stores urns.)

Part of the present-day cemetery was believed to be an old Native American burial ground.  Colonial settlement took hold here in Rockaway around the year 1720.  Tradition states that this particular spot was selected as a burial ground by the earliest families.  On March 2, 1758, the Presbyterian Church was founded and organized. The oldest gravestone is dated April 8th, 1762. 

 There are estimated to be 47 Revolutionary War veterans buried here, including a Hessian Soldier. Some accounts say around 100 people buried here participated in the conflict.  There are 16 War of 1812 veterans interred in  the cemetery, 6 War of 1812 "peace time era" service members of the  Morris County N.J. Militia, 132 Civil War veterans, 13 Spanish American  War veterans, 89 WWI veterans, as of December 2021 there are 168 WWII  veterans, 41 Korean War veterans, 20 Vietnam War veterans resting in peace.  There are approximately 7,000 people interred in the cemetery.