LeMoyne Crematory

Courtesy of Lee Paxton

30 July 2011

Location:

S Main Street, Washington, PA 15301

Description:

The LeMoyne Crematory, erected in 1876 by Francis Julius LeMoyne, stands as the pioneering crematory in the United States. Perched atop Gallow's Hill in North Franklin Township near Washington, Pennsylvania, this brick one-story building measured 20 by 30 feet. LeMoyne, driven by the belief that cremation offered a more hygienic means of body disposal, carried out the inaugural cremation on December 6, 1876. The first person cremated there was Baron Joseph Henry Louis Charles De Palm, fulfilling his wishes six months after his death.

Following 41 more cremations, including LeMoyne's own in 1879, the crematory ceased operations in 1901, with the final cremation performed on November 28, 1900. LeMoyne's remains find their resting place within the premises.

Recognizing its historical significance, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission installed a commemorative marker in 1953. Subsequently, in 1996, the crematory earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, the Washington County History & Landmarks Foundation designated it as a historic public landmark.

Presently, the structure remains at its original site off South Main Street. The Washington County Historical Society occasionally arranges limited tours of the site.