The development of Highland Cemetery started to take shape in early December 1868. The inspiration for a new cemetery was due in part because the Old Sixth Street Graveyard in Covington was filled, and Covington's Lindon Grove Cemetery had very few plots available.

On March 1, 1869 land for the new cemetery was decided upon. These tracts of land were located on Lexington Turnpike, now known as Dixie Highway. These tracts of land were independently owned by S. A. Hagerty, E. B. Sandford, and Thomas R. Sandford. Mr. Hagerty's property was located on what is now the entrance of the cemetery and contained a house. This tract was slightly over forty-one acres and cost $16,000.

The next tract of land belonged to J. B. Sandford and consisted of thirty-one and one-half acres for a cost of $5,602.50.

The third and final tract was purchased from Thomas R. Sandford. This land cost $5,602.50 for the entire forty-one and one-half acres.

Funding was now needed for the total purchase price of $27,205.00 for the one hundred and fourteen acres.

Construction could not begin until $20,000 had been acquired. Money was raised by the sale of "Subscription Books". These subscriptions were sold for no less than $25.00 and were used as advanced payments for plots.

By March, 1869 the surveying and construction of the grounds could begin. George A. Yates was the surveyor hired and a Mr. Straus from the Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, was asked to help layout the new cemetery.

The dedication ceremony was Tuesday, June 22, 1869. Over two thousand people were in attendance for the grand dedication of Highland Cemetery.

Prices for plots had been set at twenty cents per square foot for lots facing the main road since these were considered the best locations in the cemetery. All remaining plots had been set at a price of fifteen cents per square foot. By the end of the day of the dedication, fifty-six plots were sold at these prices.

The first person to be. buried at Highland was Mary Ann Blythe. Mary Ann was born in Frederick, Maryland, in 1798. She was seventy years old when she died of paralysis on December 21, 1868. She was originally buried in the Linden Grove Cemetery before being disinterred and placed in Section 1, Lot 3 of Highland Cemetery.

There are many prominent and historical people buried at Highland, with Civil War veterans and dedicated citizens of our tri-state area. The cemetery grew larger than first expected. It became one of Kentucky's largest non-profit cemeteries.

In 1917, the chapel and receiving tomb were destroyed by fire. All that remained was the archway above the front door. There was no fire insurance on the chapel.

Rebuilding of the chapel started immediately and was complete by the end of 1917.

The chapel was last used for services in 1947. It is unknown why it was used for storage at this time. Then in the early 1950's, it was reopened for services. To this day it is used for committals and visitations.

Highland Cemetery now has 250 acres, with over 44,000 burials. There is over 150 acres not yet surveyed for burial sites. Families can be assured that many generations of their families can be together at Highland Cemetery.

Original research done by Stephen M. Edwards, July 1986. Statistics updated June 2001.