Cemetery Tour

Cemeteries tell the stories of our past. They are the stories of our people, art, and culture. Long after they are gone, the people who first sought out this land hold power over us. They are the reminders of our legacy. Wander into almost any Kansas cemetery and the tombstones tell stories of how generations before us lived and died.

Stories. Before you visit the cemeteries, we invite you to familiarize yourself with the local history at the Barton County Historical Society. Two of the most famous stories you will learn of is Oscar Micheaux, the first African American film producer who called Great Bend home, and of Great Bend attorney, Arthur Banta's murder.

Self-Guided Tour. A cemetery guide publication is available to guide you through the Great Bend Cemetery and other area cemeteries. When exploring the cemeteries, sometimes the best gateways are the ones made up along the way. Go where the heart takes you, set your own direction and pace. Remember, each cemetery tells its own story.

Symbols. While visiting these sites, pay close attention to the engravings on the stones. Throughout the 20th century, etching symbols into gravestones became a trend. For example, hands on a stone represent partnership, and crossed swords or cannons often represent a persons military service.

Download the Cemetery Tour for a complete list of historic cemeteries, and special points to note at each.