In the early 1900s, San Juan Bautista Cemetery was established southeast of Florence, Colorado, as a burial place for Mexican Catholics in the area. Some believe the cemetery was created because of prejudice from non-Mexican residents, while others say it was established so members of the Penitentes would have a place to bury their dead.
Nearly four hundred people have been buried at San Juan Bautista Cemetery. Many were Mexican Catholics, infants, or individuals who had nowhere else to be buried. A number of the graves remain unmarked, with only simple white crosses indicating that someone is buried within the cemetery.
Today, the San Juan Bautista Cemetery Association lovingly maintains the grounds and hosts a Memorial Day ceremony each year to honor and remember those who are buried there.
For more information on San Juan Bautista Cemetery, please visit HERE