Old City Cemetery, Galveston

Galveston's Old City Cemetery, established in 1839 as part of the original town charter, stands as the oldest burial ground in the region. Nestled in the northeast corner of the Broadway Cemetery District, the cemetery spans nearly 2 acres and holds around 1,500 interments-most of which occurred before 1964. With its weathered mausoleums, elaborate nineteenth-century tombs, and historical significance, the site offers a deeply atmospheric glimpse into the island’s early years and the many lives shaped by its storied past.

The cemetery is not only a resting place but a source of enduring local folklore and chilling tales. Among the most infamous legends is that of Thomas Nicaragua Smith, believed to haunt the grounds after being executed for deserting the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Another ghostly presence is said to be Elize Alberti, who, according to legend, murdered her children and now lingers among the graves. These tales-whether fact or fiction-add to the cemetery’s reputation as one of the most haunted places in Galveston.

As one of seven burial grounds in the Broadway Cemetery District, Old City Cemetery offers more than just history-it’s a macabre monument to Galveston’s wild and often dark past. Pirates, madams, cannibals, and murderers have all left their mark on the island, and many found their final resting place beneath its soil. For those fascinated by Texas history, or intrigued by tales of the supernatural, a visit to Old City Cemetery promises both eerie intrigue and a rare connection to the region’s earliest days.