Riggs Cemetery
Merritt Rd.
Rosalia, Whitman County, Washington 99170
509-397-6340
You get to the cemetery between the 2 exits for Rosalia, on 195 about, mid-way on the east side, Riggs Cemetery Rd.
Earliest marked grave in Riggs Cemetery.
A foster Son of John Murphy Whitman (known as the Father of the town of Rosalia, had the town platted, and Emiline Trimble that operated the Stage Inn and horse stables built in 1878.
No information is known about where John M. Whitman is buried who died Sept 26, 1886 in Rosalia, however it is reasonable to assume he is likely buried here next to his Foster Son.
You get to the cemetery between the 2 exits for Rosalia on 195, about midway on the east side, Riggs Cemetery Rd.
Rosalia Lions club cared for the Pioneer Riggs Cemetery as a community project. The cemetery is located about two miles northeast of Rosalia.
In 1889, the plot of ground was donated to the community as a burial ground by Samuel Riggs. The cemetery is on a hilltop with a 360 degree view of surrounding hills covered in the different shades of spring green and a beautiful view of Steptoe Butte.
The earliest marked grave is Willie Whitman, 1873- 1879. He was the son of the Whitmans who had the stage coach stop at that time. The last grave was for Donia Morgan in 1985.
The rigors of pioneer life took their toll, many deaths occurred and the number of infants and young children who died seems tragic. Eighty-two tombstones are in the cemetery, and there are many mounds that may be burial plots without markers.
Outlining the cemetery were many apple trees. Many, many different varieties grew there. A few of those hardy trees still stand.
In 1903, the IOOF Evergreen cemetery was plotted out nearer town with easier access, and many graves of the Riggs cemetery were moved. Gradually the old cemetery became practically forgotten and overgrown with weeds, rose bushes and lilac bushes.
Throughout the years, the Lion’s Club has made great strides in trimming brush and mowing weeds. Each year the cemetery gets a face lift before Memorial weekend. Workers and donations are gladly accepted.
Visit the Riggs Cemetery Website