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Hillside Cemetery established in 1861, offers a peaceful and historic resting place honoring community leaders and heroes.Established in 1861 during the Civil War, Hillside Cemetery in Middletown, New York, is bountiful in history, art, and unique beauty. Nestled on over 50 acres in the Hudson Valley, Hillside is both peaceful and charming. Originally, it was designed as a "rural" cemetery where the living could come to grieve and honor their dead in their eternal slumber. 160 years later, Hillside continues to be a place of remembrance and solitude, but it has evolved into so much more.
Moving away from the traditional churchyards and family cemeteries, Hillside welcomed all. The grand obelisks, prominent mausoleums, and the towering, winged angels pointing to the heavens continue to honor Middletown's former residents, many who were pillars of their community almost two centuries ago. Buried here are some of the area's first settlers, war heroes, industry pioneers, influential families, and countless others who left vital contributions in their passing.
Middletown has a colorful history, and Hillside reflects this. Under these headstones lie people who lived lives filled with heroism, determination, tragedy, and triumph, just like us. Within the gates of idyllic Hillside Cemetery, the dead have stories to tell, and their legacies live on beyond the grave.
About the author
JoEllen Hundeland is originally from Orange County, New York. She became interested in local history and exploring at an early age. With family and friends having roots in Middletown, New York, she became interested specifically in Hillside Cemetery and Middletown's history. JoEllen later discovered a love for photography, and the two hobbies merged into one. Aside from exploring cemeteries and abandoned places with her camera, JoEllen also enjoys gardening, her two cats, and working on projects around the house.
