Mount Moriah Cemetery

GPS Coordinates: 39.933125, -75.238306
County: Philadelphia
Record count: 2,548

Ownership: Mount Moriah Cemetery Association

Directions: Located east of Schuylkill River, in the Kingsessing community, the cemetery runs along both side of Cobbs Creek Parkway, straddling both Philadelphia and Delaware counties.

Background: Mount Moriah Cemetery was established by the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1855, one of several rural cemeteries developed in Philadelphia between 1845 and 1860. Located on the southwestern edge of the city, the private cemetery originally consisted of 54 acres. Over time it has grown to 380 acres spanning both sides of Cobbs Creek. Due to the massive size of the cemetery, many churches and other organizations have established smaller lots within its bounds. A majestic gatehouse provides entrance into to the cemetery. Designed by local architect Stephen D. Button in 1855, the Romanesque gatehouse is fabricated from brownstone.

For a time Mount Moriah Cemetery held the remains of Betsy Ross, reputed maker of the American flag. However, leading up to the local celebration of the 1976 Bicentennial, her remains were moved to Arch Street near the Betsy Ross house.

In the early 1870's, an African-American named Henry Jones purchased a lot in the cemetery. After his death, cemetery authorities turned away his funeral procession at the gate, on the basis of his race. A lawsuit was filed against the Mount Moriah Cemetery association on his behalf, and in 1876 the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Jones' right to burial in the cemetery.

Burial Records

• View All Transcriptions Combined, 2,548 records
  • Naval Plot, by Interment.net, April 17, 2025, (2,092 records)
  • Soldier's Lot, by Interment.net, April 17, 2025, (404 records)
  • Veterans Affairs Database, by Interment.net, April 17, 2025, (52 records)

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