REST IN PEACE MATTIE CULVER
Is anyone buried in Yellowstone National Park? The answer to that question is yes. There is the Fort Yellowstone Army Cemetery as well as the Kite Hill Cemetery.
There is also a lone grave in Yellowstone National Park. This grave is located near the present-day Nez Perce picnic area. This would be the grave of Mattie S. Culver.
Mattie was the wife of E. C. Culver who, according to the Park records, was the caretaker at the Firehole Hotel from 1888 to 1889. The Culvers had a daughter named Theda.
Mattie suffered from tuberculosis and it was her husband's hope that the mountain air would help improve her health. However, Mattie's health continued to decline and she passed away March 2, 1889.
The heavy snows in the park and the frozen ground made impossible to dig a grave and bury Mattie. It is reported that soldiers from the nearby Fountain Soldier Station helped to place her body in two barrels and covered them with snow. The body remained in that state until springtime came, the ground thawed and it was possible to dig a proper grave for her.
If you visit Yellowstone National Park, it is possible to visit Mattie's gravesite and I would encourage you to do so.
Beautiful grave site. Well cared for and someone has placed fresh flowers on the grave.
ReplyDeleteYesterday her grave was decorated with hotel artifacts as well as flowers, and I stupidly didn't think to take a picture.
ReplyDelete