Downieville Cemetery, Sierra County, CA

Submitted by Rebecca Garrlentini Dec 2005

Location: The cemetery is located on Main Street on the left hand side sitting upon a 
hillside facing the river, which runs through the whole town of Downieville. 

Cemetery Contacts: I understand from a local storekeeper that the following are contacts 
for the cemetery, although was I told the County of Sierra owns the cemetery the following 
organizations are great supporters of this cemetery.
1. Lee Adams III, the Sheriff-Coroner of Sierra County for burial records.
2. The Downieville Chapter 1849, E Clampus Vitus, a continuing California Gold Rush, 
fraternal organization, cares and maintains the cemetery grounds.
3. The Sierra County Pioneer Cemetery Historic Society helps maintain historical records as well. 

Notes: I took the photos on a Sat. Nov. 12, 2005. The cemetery is small in size, about an acre I 
would say. Sitting upon a hillside of Main Street above the business district of Downtown Downieville. 
One can walk from the business district if you are ready and fit for a climb on the hilly Main Street or 
you can drive to the cemetery. It is a paved road, narrow but plenty of room for parking and lots of 
shade. The cemetery has two Entrance gates. One gate on the right side and one gate on the left side. 
The right hand side gate appears larger of the two with a Plaque and sign right outside the gate telling 
the history of the cemetery. There were many Masonic tombstone’s. The cemetery is well cared for as 
well as it’s tombstones on uneven hilly ground. Green grass with lots of tress. It appears to be an active 
cemetery as I was able to view as tombstone with the DOD in 2000. The gates were locked upon my
 visit (2 pm. On a Sat) I would think one could call one of the above contacts for an appointment to visit 
inside the cemetery. I have taken photos of the Cemetery starting from the left hand side, to the middle 
section of the cemetery to the right hand side, as well as a photo of the Historical plaque. Hope this is 
helpful and thank you for allowing me to be of service.