Greenwood Cemetery
As Waco’s second oldest cemetery, serving local families since at least 1875, Greenwood Cemetery is steeped in Waco history.
It is often cited as the final resting place of several notable figures of national prominence. For Wacoans, it is more tenderly known as a place of remembrance, alive in the hearts of many families to this day.
General Information
Location & Hours
Address: 500 S. Price Street, Waco, TX 76704
Hours: 8 a.m. to Sunset
Burials
Due to its age, complex ownership history, and lack of complete records, Greenwood Cemetery is closed to further burials, unless proper ownership documentation is submitted for review and approval through the City Secretary’s Office. The City Secretary's Office can be reached at (254) 750-5750.
Burial Location Inquiries
Please contact the Genealogy Center of Waco-McLennan County Library at (254) 750-5945 for burial location inquiries.
Family Plot Maintenance & Improvements
Family plot maintenance and improvements can be authorized through the City of Waco Parks and Recreation Department, by the Program Manager of Operations and Maintenance. Please call (254) 750-8080.
Some limitations apply, and ground disturbance may not exceed 6”, without a Texas Historical Commission permit.
Management of Activities & Public Events
As defined by the City of Waco Historic Cemeteries Maintenance & Management Plan:
- Public placement of flowers and other memorial objects shall be allowed to remain in place for at least 7 days, and not greater than one month, after which they will be removed from the cemetery through the course of regular maintenance.
- Public placement of flags or memorial objects honoring numerous burials, such as those of veterans, shall obtain prior approval by contacting the City of Waco Parks and Recreation Department or its representative to ensure provisions are in place for the re-collection of the flags or objects within 7 days.
- Public placement of permanent markers or objects shall require pre-approval through the City of Waco Parks and Recreation Department or its representative, to assure public safety and ensure compliance with applicable rules and restrictions.
- Public gatherings other than funeral services shall require an activity permit submitted through the City of Waco Parks and Recreation Department.
A copy of the full plan can be viewed by clicking this link(PDF, 852KB).
Contact
For questions or concerns, please contact the City of Waco Parks and Recreation Department at (254) 750-5980.
Historic Cemetery
Historic Burials
Waco's Greenwood Cemetery is often cited as the final resting place of several notable figures of national prominence, such as:
Renovation & Preservation
In August 2020, the City of Waco concluded its multi-year effort to better facilitate the preservation of this important heritage site. The $435,000 Greenwood Cemetery Improvement Project was completed in close coordination with the Texas Historical Commission (Permit #8358) through a series of phases that navigated archaeology and survey, engineering and permitting, removal of internal fencing and subsequent construction to provide a unified perimeter with ornamental entrances, arches, and fencing.
Additional property was secured to ensure the new construction could be completed without disruption to existing burials or public visitation.
The project was supported by a generous $25,000 contribution from the former cemetery association, as well as land transaction support among entities such as the Texas Department of Transportation, People’s Cemetery Association, McLennan County, and Methodist Children’s Home to place the entire cemetery and its boundaries within the City of Waco’s care.