Location: 606 West Alabama, Ruston, Louisiana
Established: 1886
Greenwood Cemetery began with a generous gift on July 23, 1886, when Robert E. Russ donated a parcel of land in Ruston to serve as a public cemetery. The gift was accepted by J. J. Neilson, Ruston's first mayor, marking the beginning of what would become one of the city's most significant historic landmarks.
Originally a modest tract of land, the cemetery has grown to encompass approximately 30 acres. Greenwood Cemetery is the final resting place of many individuals who helped shape Ruston's religious, cultural, educational, civic, and economic history from the city's founding to the present day.
Among those interred are 49 known and 23 unknown Civil War veterans, who are honored in Plot 4 with "Perpetual Care" markers. This section also includes a children's burial area, where many children from the Methodist Children's Home are laid to rest, although many of their graves remain unmarked. Throughout Greenwood Cemetery, there are numerous unmarked graves, and on occasion, previously unknown burial sites are rediscovered during new interments.
Today, Greenwood Cemetery serves not only as a place of remembrance but also as a lasting reflection of Ruston's history, service, and community. The City of Ruston is honored to preserve and maintain the cemetery for future generations.
Cemetery Information
If you have questions or need to request a correction to cemetery records, please email GreenwoodCemetery@rustonla.gov.
