Boot Hill Cemetery – Final Resting Place of the Restless Sin City of Sidney Nebraska
I drove along the vast stretch of I-80, the flat Nebraska plain stretching to the horizon endlessly like an old man’s last breath forever drawing out as if the end would never come. Like the Pioneers who traveled westward to find their riches I soon found my progress abated at Boot Hill Cemetery in Sidney Nebraska.
Sidney Nebraska’s Legacy
Sidney Nebraska’s Boot Hill Cemetery wasn’t on any grand tourist map; it was a whisper, a ghost of a memory from the days when men lived and died by the gun. The road was a straight shot, monotonous and dull, the kind of drive that makes you question your own sanity. Dark, ominous, towering clouds appeared to my north presenting a contrast to the forever blue skies I had suffered through from a day of uninspired driving. A swirling dust devil spun madly, crossing immediately beside my Honda Accord, buffeting my wheels before dissipating into the violent, rumbling threat of an impending afternoon thunderstorm.
But there, tucked away unceremoniously in an out-of-the-way nook below a rise in the landscape, beside a public works storage depot where gravel and rock and sand was stored, where road crews drove their dump trucks and their front-end loaders to make their day’s wages, was Boot Hill Cemetery—a graveyard of stories, where the past lay buried beneath the dirt and the dust and the ceaseless passage of time.
Testament To a Sordid Past
Boot Hill wasn’t just a place; it was a testament to an era when life was cheap and death was a constant companion. The headstones stood like crooked teeth in a mouth too old to care, each one marking the spot where another poor soul had bitten the dust, laid to rest in the restlessness of this harsh Nebraska plain.
I wandered through the rows, feeling the weight of history pressing down on me, the ghosts of cowboys and outlaws and curators of brothels where whiskey and women were slung with similar abandon, whispering their tales into the wind. This was no ordinary cemetery—it was a relic, a reminder of the harsh realities of life on the frontier as canvas covered wagons pulled by dreary horses, pots and pans clanging, made their way westward in a gold rush, a quest for the fortunes all men desire.
A Graveyard Dedicated to the Rough Men and Women
As I stood there, I couldn’t help but feel a strange connection to those who had come before. They were rough men and women living in rough times, and Boot Hill was their final resting place. It wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t quiet, but it was real, and in a world full of plastic and pretense and noise, that was enough for me.
The constant commotion of nearby road crews was appropriate for this cemetery full of those who lived their lives with their own commotion, their own turmoil, their own eventual ends dying with their boots on as a fitting finality to the legend of Sidney’s moniker of Sin City. The noise and the dust was barely a distraction as I walked among the graves, letting the stories of the dead wash over me like a grim lullaby, each one a reminder that we all end up in the ground eventually, no matter how hard we fight to stay above it.
How do you spell it? Do you spell the word CEMETARY or CEMETERY?
Although all authoritative references spell the word with 3 Es, I see many examples of the word being spelled CEMETARY online and on signs. In fact, I see reference the the “A” spelling of the word that I simply think of it as a variant spelling.
Where did this spelling originate?
Dictionary.com states the word is Late Latin originating from a Greek word meaning “A Sleeping Place.” According to that reference, the word is spelled with 3 Es.
Although the book stephen king pet sematary“>Pet Sematary includes “A”s, Stephen King is not to blame for the single “A” spelling variant. In fact, I’ve seen references to the word “Cemetary” predating the 1981 release of the book.
I am an occasional poster on the message system called “Reddit.” It’s funny to read online message boards where someone mistakenly misspells the word only to be chastised by other members of the forum or by spelling “bots” that make suggestions on the correct spelling…sometimes rather rudely.
Do you have instances of signs with “Cemetery” written on an official sign of a cemetery? I would like to hear about them or see photos. You can contact me directly via my Contact Form.
Here are a few photos of “Cemetary” I’ve taken recently:
In today’s episode of The Cemetery Detective, Keith explores the cemeteries around Sewanee, Tennessee searching for Sandstone Grave Markers.
Geology and Cemetery Research
In my mind, cemetery research and geology go hand-in-hand. Understanding geology helps me understand the types of and the uses of certain gravestone materials.
Sewanee, Tennessee lies high atop the Cumberland Plateau. The Cumberland Plateau is geologically significant. With a natural sandstone cap, sandstone is locally abundant. Because of this availability, grave monument artists have used local sandstone for generations.
Not all sandstone is the same. Area sandstone comes in several varieties. The various strata include: Rockland Conglomerate Vandever Formation 2 Forms of Coal Newton Sandstone Whitwell Shale Richland Coal Sewanee Sandstone
Each layer has different properties based on color and granulation. Therefore some sandstone is better suited for building material and some stone is more conducive to use in gravestones.
Liesegang Rings on Sandstone Grave Markers
An aesthetic component of many sandstone is the formation of Liesegang Rings. Monument experts simply refer to these rings as “Swirls.” Liesegang Rings are formed when and Iron-rich fluid percolates through the stone after it has hardened. The more intricate the swirl pattern the more aesthetically appealing the stone.
Limestone Gravestones
Below Sewanee’s sandstone cap lies a vast layer of limestone. Since most river water is slightly (weakly) acidic, limestone dissolves into the water. This action, over millions of years, forms caves and valleys.
Buggy Top Cave is an ideal example of a limestone cave which has been dissolved by penetrating groundwater. The limestone in the area also lends to its use as a gravestone in local cemeteries. I will be exploring more about Limestone Gravestones in the Tennessee Valley in an upcoming Cemetery Research Documentary.
Cemeteries Visited
In today’s video, I explored many cemeteries in and around Sewanee. They include: Martin Cemetery Unknown Cemetery Monteagle Cemetery Eastern Star Cemetery University Cemetery O’Dear Cemetery St. Mary’s Convent Cemetery Wise Cemetery Sherwood Cemetery
To understand the natural occurrence of sandstone in Sewanee, I visited: Sewanee Natural Arch Buggy Top Trail Buggy Top Cave
I learned a tremendous amount about sandstone from experts who patiently shared their knowledge with me.
Some of the knowledge I gleaned from experts include information on Liesegang Rings, sources of sandstone, and the physical work in forming of a gravestone.
2017 was a fantastic year full of cemetery exploration.
2017 was a fantastic year full of cemetery exploration.
Highlights include:
Completing my Submerged Cemetery Documentary
Getting featured in an Adventure Magazine for my Cemetery Research efforts
Traveling to Spain to study the cemeteries in the north of the country.
Other highlights are listed below.
Check my main page to learn about my cemetery research for 2018.
December 2017 – Cemeteries, Cameras, and Flashlights
When I was in college, I learned the art of astro-photography and darkroom film development. Being an astronomy geek, I worked at the school’s observatory helping set up the telescope and cameras. Back then, we would spend all night shooting a roll of film then spend the next morning developing the film in light-proof canisters. A lot has changed in the world of photography. Yet, the scientific principles of photography remain the same; aperture, focus (and focal length) ISO, and shutter speed is what it’s all about. Of course, the creative side is another story.
In the month of December, I’ve reawakened my love of photography. Combining photography with my love of cemeteries, I’m working to increase my understanding of creative cemetery photography. Here is a picture I took last night at Chattanooga’s Forest Hills Cemetery. Expect more photography in the coming months.
In addition to cemetery photography, I’ve devoted much of my free time in December to studying cemeteries affected by flood waters both natural and man-made. Here’s an on-location photo from a cemetery I’m researching outside of a nuclear power plant. Expect a brand new Cemetery Detective mini-documentary on this subject in the very near future.
I’d like to take a moment to wish a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all my readers and fans.
Please check back often. I have a lot of cemetery adventures in store for you in 2018.
My best:
Keith
November 2017 – A Church With A Rock In It
November was such a warm and pleasant month I spent much of it in outdoor pursuits including hiking, biking, and kayaking DeSoto State Park near Mentone, Alabama.
During one of my trips there, I found Sallie Howard Chapel also known as “The Church with a Rock in It.” This chapel was built around a huge boulder jutting into the inside of the church. The boulder acts as the outside wall behind the pulpit.
It’s a fascinating church (with cemetery) and the state park is well worth a visit.
October 2017 – Magazine Articles, Newspaper Write-Ups, and Travel Abroad
October has been one of the most interesting months I’ve had in quite some time.
Points of interest during October:
– Interviewed by The Royal Gazette (Bermuda’s National Newspaper): A reporter saw my video documentary on The Cemeteries of Bermuda.
The newspaper published a newspaper article about my visits to the island.
– Researched the Cemeteries of Northern Spain: After months of planning, I toured the country by train and bus to study the old world European cemeteries of San Sebastian, Pamplona, Figueres, Girona, and Madrid. I will be posting articles in the coming days. Please check back often.
– Featured in an Adventure Magazine: Get Out Chattanooga, our regional Adventure Magazine published a featured article on my research of The Submerged Cemetery at Mullins Cove. I spent a day with a reporter. She interviewed me as we paddled 7 miles round-trip to the submerged cemetery. The article on this particular cemetery was featured in the October Issue.
Check back soon for updates on my cemetery research trip to northern Spain.
September 2017 – A Busy September for The Cemetery Detective
Although summer is not yet over, the beginning of September has brought a respite from the heat. Warmer temperatures will, surely, return. But, for now, I’m enjoying cooler temperatures while exploring our area’s most interesting cemeteries.
At the end of August, I produced a short video dealing with my fascination of Cemetery Fences (linked below). If you enjoy my videos, please consider subscribing to my Cemetery YouTube Channel.
I have several great videos in store for you in the coming weeks including a video documentary of my upcoming Cemetery Research Trip to northern Spain. While in Spain, I will research the cemeteries of The Pyrenees, San Sebastian, and Figueres. If you live in any of those areas of Spain, please drop me a note. I always love meeting fellow cemetery enthusiasts along my journeys.
The Chain Link Fences of Rotten Bayou Cemetery
I had never been a fan of chain link fences in a cemetery….until I visited Rotten Bayou Cemetery in Diamondhead, Mississippi.
August 2017 – Cemetery Documentaries and Continued Research
Sometimes I root through my archives of cemetery pictures, video, and research documentation. After searching through hundreds of folders, I realize I’ve published only a fraction of my archives. This month, I’m pleased to announce the publication of two cemetery documentaries that have been on my mind all summer.
1) The Submerged Cemetery of Mullins Cove
This is one of the most fascinating cemetery stories I’ve ever researched. This cemetery has been affected by rising waters for more than a century. The Submerged Cemetery at Mullins Cove investigates the life histories of Henry, Zilpha, and Moses Long. It explores the topography and geology of Mullins Cove, Tennessee. And, it researches the reasons why this cemetery is underwater.
15 Minutes in Length and PACKED with information.
2) The Cemeteries of St. Thomas, Tortola, Bermuda, and Newport
Earlier this year, I was incredibly fortunate to be invited to work as delivery crew on a 62′ sailboat. We moved the sailboat from Tortola BVI to Portsmouth, RI. On this journey, I added to my list of cemeteries I’ve already visited in these areas.
This Cemetery Documentary chronicles my trip, the excitement of traveling on the open ocean, and the cemeteries I explored along the way.
July 2017 – Upcoming Cemetery Research
It’s been a busy summer thus far.
During June, I attended the Association For Gravestone Studies Annual Conference in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This was my fourth conference. It is always an uplifting experience being around such knowledgeable and passionate cemetery enthusiasts.
At this conference, I gave a presentation on my research of The Submerged Cemetery At Mullins Cove.
I can spend hours speaking about this cemetery. Its history is fascinating. If your civic group would like me to give this presentation, please visit my “Public Speaking” page for scheduling information.
July is going to be busy, also. I’m putting final touches on a new Cemetery Documentary to be released by mid-month.
Additionally, I’m preparing for a cemetery research trip to Northern Spain in the early fall. I’ll visit the major cemeteries in San Sebastian, Girona, and Madrid. I’m also planning on a tour of cemeteries in the eastern Pyrenees. If you live in that area and are interested in the local cemeteries, I would love to meet you.
I’ll leave you with a couple photographs from my trip in May to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands:
Moravian Cemetery
Tortola Cemetery
June 2017 – Two Cemetery Projects Underway
Check back often for updates.
1) Underwater Cemetery:
I have become fascinated with cemeteries impacted by water.
Rising waters in rivers, drought stricken lakes, and coastal areas all have affected cemeteries.
I am currently studying a cemetery in the middle of a lake.
This will be the subject of my next mini-documentary and I will also make a presentation on this cemetery during the Association for Gravestone Studies Annual Conference.
If you’re planning on attending the conference, please look me up and say “hi.” I’d love to meet you.
2) Cemetery Reclamation:
I’m writing this at 11:51 PM after yet another long day in one of our local cemeteries.
With a chainsaw, lop-shears, an axe, and a strong back, I’ve taken on a project of reclaiming a long-forgotten cemetery.
When I first visited, I could not walk from one end to the other due to thickets, thorns, and brier patches. Taking care to maintain the integrity of all grave markers, I have almost completed the reclamation effort. Stay tuned to this website and my YouTube channel for a complete update.
This cemetery was completely overgrown but I’m making great progress in finding all headstones by removing the vegetation. When finished, I plan to leave many shade trees. However, the undergrowth will be cut away. Tombstones will be easy to find.
Stay Tuned…
A recent mini-documentary:
The Forgotten Cemetery of Polk County Tennessee
Nestled on a forested hilltop within The Cherokee National Forest lies Rock Creek Cemetery. Even its proper name is in doubt. USGS maps, local residents, and descendants of those buried here disagree on its name. As the forest closes in on Rock Creek, this cemetery risks being lost forever.
The journey is part of the adventure and this trip was no exception. Rock Creek is surrounded by the beauty of the Ocoee river valley. This abandoned grave yard contains notable figures in Polk County’s history. In addition to the town’s founding fathers, a Revolutionary War soldier is buried here.
Join me as I search for this culturally significant cemetery.
Big plans are underway this year. Check this website and my YouTube Channel for frequent updates.
I love feedback. So, please leave your comments and drop me notes when you see something here you like.
We have just finished a day-long tour of Cincinnati Cemeteries at the 2016 Association for Gravestone Studies.
It’s such an educational experience spending time with such knowledgeable and well educated cemetery researchers. I have lots of note and will be sharing information with you in the future.
Here’s a quick time-lapse video from one of today’s cemeteries.
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“>Pet Sematary includes “A”s, Stephen King is not to blame for the single “A” spelling variant. In fact, I’ve seen references to the word “Cemetary” predating the 1981 release of the book.
