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Ask the Memphian: Are people really buried in Shelby Farms?

By , Daily Memphian Updated: July 07, 2025 7:58 AM CT | Published: July 07, 2025 4:00 AM CT

The 4,500-acre Shelby Farms Park is home to many things: a herd of bison, 40 miles of trails, 20 different bodies of water and even a zipline course.

But what many Memphians, even longtime park users, may not know is that Shelby Farms is also home to a cemetery that dates back at least 130 years and possibly even longer.

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Shelby Farms Cordova Cemetery cemetery headstones Subscriber Only

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Jody Callahan

Jody Callahan graduated with degrees in journalism and economics from what is now known as the University of Memphis. He has covered news in Memphis for more than 25 years.


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