Cemetery Management Committee Addresses Unknown Graves and Record Keeping Challenges

Concerns over cemetery management took center stage at the Rawlins City Council meeting on July 15, 2025, as officials discussed the challenges of maintaining records and the condition of burial sites. The discussion highlighted the unstable ground conditions at the cemetery, which have led to difficulties in digging graves and maintaining the integrity of the site.

City officials revealed that there are approximately 700 unknown gravesites, raising questions about perpetual care and the responsibility for maintaining these plots. The lack of clear records has resulted in confusion over ownership and care, with some graves dating back to the 1800s. Council members expressed the need for ground-penetrating radar technology to identify whether bodies are buried in these unknown plots, which could help in managing the cemetery more effectively.

The conversation also touched on the importance of modernizing cemetery records. Currently, many records are handwritten and vulnerable to loss from disasters like fires or floods. Council members proposed digitizing these records to improve accessibility for families searching for loved ones. A suggestion was made to create a centralized location for records, similar to a facility used by Wheatland Cemetery, which would allow residents to easily find information about burial plots.

As the council moves forward, the emphasis on improving cemetery management and record-keeping is expected to enhance community trust and ensure that families can honor their loved ones with dignity. The next steps will likely involve exploring funding options for technology upgrades and further discussions on the implementation of ground-penetrating radar to address the unknown gravesites.