Cemeteries in Alameda County (County)

Alameda County, California, was established in 1853 from portions of Contra Costa and Santa Clara Counties. Its name is derived from the Spanish word “alameda,” meaning “a grove of poplar trees,” which was also the original name of a creek running through the region. Prior to European settlement, the area was home to the Ohlone people. Spanish missionaries arrived in the late 18th century, establishing missions and ranchos under Spanish and later Mexican rule. After California became part of the United States in 1850, the area experienced rapid growth driven by agriculture, railroads, and industry. The county became a hub for European immigrants, especially Portuguese, Italian, and Irish communities, as well as African American families arriving during the Great Migration. Over time, cities like Oakland and Berkeley emerged as key urban centers. Cemeteries such as Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland and Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward have long served Alameda County’s diverse population.