Riverside Cemetery is Denver, Colorado's oldest cemetery, established in 1876. It is a place full of Colorado history, though it has a gritty and arid feel. The cemetery is very old and unkept, which adds to the experience for many visitors. It is a rich place with a lot of history, where approximately 70,000 souls have been buried, including many Denver notables, Medal of Honor recipients, and various ethnic groups. The grounds feature lots of old headstones of varying styles, including Jewish and even oriental ones. However, several areas need mowed and many headstones need TLC, appearing in bad condition or dirty. No watering and little maintenance is done. The location next to the river and near industries means the nose is assailed by the nearby refinery and ears by sounds from recycling facilities. Visitors should be mindful of their surroundings. Despite this, it remains an interesting and unique place, worth a visit to walk around and view the markers, tombs, and buildings. Support for paid tours is encouraged to aid in the beautification and maintenance of this historic site.
