First Ward Cemetery
Rate this placeNearby: Alvord Park Grosso Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
First Ward Cemetery is an historic cemetery located in the city of Elmira, New York.
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Summary
It was established in 1828 and is one of the oldest cemeteries in the state. The cemetery is a significant destination for those interested in local history and genealogy, as it contains the graves of many notable residents of Elmira and the surrounding area.
Some of the interesting points of interest to see at First Ward Cemetery include the graves of Mark Twain's family, including his wife and children, as well as the grave of Erastus Corning, a prominent businessman and politician in the region. Visitors can also see the headstones of veterans from the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. The cemetery also boasts beautiful landscaping and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a great spot for quiet contemplation.
One interesting fact about the cemetery is that it is the final resting place of several victims of the tragic Elmira prison camp during the Civil War. It is also known for its distinctive monument of a hand pointing to the sky, which marks the grave of a local businessman and philanthropist.
The best time of year to visit First Ward Cemetery is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the leaves are changing. However, the cemetery is open year-round and can be visited at any time.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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