Celebrating Life and Serving our Community since 1863
It was the year of the Emancipation Proclamation and a midpoint in the Civil War when Ferncliff was established. 160 years ago, Ferncliff Cemetery began when 70 acres of land were purchased in Springfield, Ohio with $300 from each of our founding members. The given name of “Ferncliff” was important and represented our founders’ desire to highlight and feature the unique ferns that were growing in the rugged cliffs along Lagonda (now Buck) Creek, near the historic North Plum Street entrance.
Then, as now, Ferncliff stands unequaled in its beauty, landscape, and perpetual care. Perhaps most important, is Ferncliff Cemetery and Arboretum’s mission to serve the community with supportive, affordable, and inclusive end of life services in a beautiful, historic environment in perpetuity.
Today, the historic and beautiful Ferncliff Cemetery occupies an important location in Springfield and is comprised of 218 acres of natural beauty and wonder, 8.3 miles of paved roads, 5 buildings, and over 80,000 burials that remain (forever) in our custody and care.
The buildings include the historic administrative office building and the caretaker’s home. It is also a tribute to the insights and vison of the current and former Trustees that Ferncliff still has enough unused space to meet and satisfy the needs of our community for the next 100 years, or more.
In an excerpt from the book, Beautiful Ferncliff, by Dr. Paul W. Schanher III and Anne E. Benston, we read that “Ferncliff Cemetery remains a special place for people who appreciate trees or enjoy a casual stroll to soak in natures’ diversity, its sights, and its smells.” As the English artist and poet Minnie Aumonier has written, “There is always music amongst the trees in the garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.”
At Ferncliff, we value and invest in the pastoral and reflective space that we can provide for our community. Regardless of the season, Ferncliff’s unmatched, natural beauty is certain to capture the senses and amaze our many visitors. Ferncliff Cemetery and Arboretum is passionately committed to preserving and maintaining its rich history and grandeur, in perpetuity.
