Dayton Cemetery
111 S 1st Street
Dayton, Columbia County, Washington 99328
509-382-2361
Directions
The cemetery can be accessed from Mustard Street (Eckler Mountain Road) to the north or Lee Street to the west. It is on a hill in the southeast corner of the city. To reach the cemetery, travel along Fourth Street until you arrive at Mustard Street, then turn left. Continue for four blocks, and you will see the cemetery gates at the end of the third block. Turn right onto Cemetery Hill Road, then make another right onto the road that runs diagonally through the center of the cemetery to access the entrance on Lee Street on the other side.
History
The Dayton Cemetery is owned, operated, and maintained by the city of Dayton. Nestled in the rolling hills at the southeast edge of town, this beautiful cemetery provides a peaceful resting place for area residents from the 19th to the 21st centuries. Rich in history, this area was initially explored by Lewis and Clark, who camped on the edge of Patit Creek just east of Dayton during their return journey in 1806. At that time, Dayton’s Main Street served as a racetrack for regional Indian tribes.
The first settlers arrived in 1859 and initially used the land for grazing. However, by 1861, they transitioned to farming wheat and other grains due to the highly fertile soil and adequate rainfall. By 1872, the town was officially platted and named, and the post office was established.
In 1880, an immigrant named Jacob Weinhard, who had come from Germany via Portland, where he worked as a foreman at his uncle’s brewery, recognized the potential of Dayton’s location in prime barley-growing land. He established the Weinhard Brewery, and by 1904, his business empire included the brewery, a malt house, the Weinhard Saloon and lodge hall, the Weinhard Theatre, and interests in the Local Citizens National Bank. In 1907, he built a large Victorian home for his family, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Between 1880 and 1910, prosperous businessmen and farmers constructed large, impressive homes and commercial and public buildings in Queen Anne, Italianate, Gothic, and Craftsman styles. Today, 90 of these structures, including two historic districts, are on the National Register of Historic Places. Dayton is home to the oldest train depot in the state (built in 1881) and the oldest working county courthouse (built in 1887), both of which have been lovingly restored to their original splendor.
Today, this thriving county seat honors its rich history with walking tours, annual festivals, home tours, and ongoing preservation and restoration efforts. Dayton offers first-class accommodations, fine dining, and interesting shops for visitors’ enjoyment. Additionally, it is located near some of the most prestigious wineries in Washington and natural wonders like Palouse Falls and the Blue Mountains, all of which are just a short drive away.
It's important to note that no map or directory is posted on the cemetery grounds, but white signs clearly designate each Block, making it easy for visitors to navigate the area.
Additional information
Visit the Dayton Cemetery Website
