History

Roselawn Cemetery has a longstanding history and reputation for impeccable customer service, delicately manicured grounds, beautiful gardens, exquisite features, and abundant wildlife.

In 1902, the founders of Roselawn Cemetery selected 160 acres of what was once considered the outskirts of Saint Paul in a tranquil rolling meadow, speckled with magnificent oak, maple, and ash trees.

Soon after, under the direction of renowned architect, Cass Gilbert, work began on the Roselawn Chapel and Administrative Buildings; both of which stand at the entrance to Roselawn Cemetery. While some of Cass Gilbert’s major credits include the Minnesota State Capitol, the Woolworth Building in New York City, and the U.S. Supreme Court Building in Washington D.C., his works at Roselawn Cemetery display his genius on a smaller, more personal scale.

The stone exterior of both buildings, the chapel’s beautiful fir truss ceiling, intricate oak woodwork, stained glass windows, and countless other details, collectively exhibit the hand of his incredible work.

Of Roselawn Cemetery’s  original 160 acres, 110 are currently developed for permanent memorialization purposes. Of the remaining 60 acres, 40 are currently leased to the City of Roseville, but have plans for future development as originally intended by our founders, and 10 acres will remain in a natural undeveloped state.