by Joellen Hundeland (Author)
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.