Douglas County Video
Latest Flash Plugin Required.
Douglas County is always striving to present content to its citizens in an informative and engaging presentation. Video has become increasingly useful to communicate to viewers.
Douglas County requires the latest Adobe Flash Player to view this video.
Franktown Cemetery
Designated: December 27, 2005
Location: The intersection of Hwy 83 and Hwy 86, Franktown
Current Owner: Franktown Fire Protection District
Nominated By: Janet Herman
Historic Significance
The Franktown Cemetery was established in June 1870 and is one of the oldest, continuously used cemeteries in Colorado. It has a number of historic headstones and grave markers using a variety of materials and styles, including several ornately carved markers for members of two fraternal organizations of the woodsmen.
The cemetery is the burial place for many pioneers of Douglas County and the State of Colorado. Clara Kelly was the first Douglas County resident to be buried in the cemetery in June 1870. Perhaps the most notable pioneer to be buried in the cemetery is James Frank Gardner. Gardner established “Frankstown” by naming his land claim Frank’s Town. He served as county clerk, and later, as treasurer. He also served as a territorial legislative representative, a state senator, and a county commissioner. Other settlers buried in the cemetery include Jacob and Benedict Schultz, John Campbell, and members of the Kelty, Wheeler, and Brackett families.