Mt. Pisgah Cemetery
Cripple Creek, Colorado
This beautiful cemetery is located west of Cripple Creek. It is called Mt. Pisgah because it is located on the side of Mt. Pisgah, right up the side of the hill. It is a very nice cemetery, although it is not exactly well kept. It does however sport an incredible view of the town.
A photo of the cemetery from the 1920's. Unfortunately, it does not look at all like this today.
This particular grave marker is one of the most interesting that I have ever seen. It is made from 1" thick plastic and totally transparent. It really caught my eye and stood out from the others. It is at the very top of the cemetery and gives way to a beautiful overlook.
This particular gravesite belongs to none other than Pearl DeVere, who has a very colorful history as one of Cripple Creek's most famous prostitutes, and died June 5, 1897 from an overdose of morphine. It is unknown if it was intentional or not. A very long story goes along with her unfortunate death. Flowers and other interesting items are still placed upon the grave to this day, and everyone in Cripple Creek knows the story of her. One can still tour the actual brothel at where she lived. She was given a second funeral on June 5, 1977. It was a very large event. The original funeral consisted of a twenty-piece Elks Club band, four mounted policemen, and buggies filled with girls from "the row". The funeral procession was incredibly long, and sported mountains of flowers from admirers as far away as Denver.
This particular gravestone caught my attention and my thought by the simple epitaph carved into it. It simply says "You know." I know what? Curious...
This gravestone is in a rather out-of-the-way place. It is located up a dirt road and is at least 50 yards from any other stone. I felt an awkward sense of loneliness when I stumbled upon it, being so far away from the others.
This is one of my favorite graves. The reasons are pretty obvious, I think. The love that was put into it, and the care for it that is still there... It includes a beautiful flower wreath which rests safely behind a pane of glass.
All photos are � 1999 by Lord Dellamort�.
