This is a historic cemetery founded in 1892 by the Evergreen Cemetery Company in what was then known as Lantana Point. The land for the cemetery was purchased by Morris B. Lyman, the founder of Lantana. The cemetery is a city block long and 85 feet wide.
There are 20 headstones but an unknown number of African-Americans and sailors washed up on the beaches are also buried here. There is also a mass grave containing victims of the 1928 Hurricane. The earliest grave here is from 1886. Morris B. Lyman and his father, Morris K. Lyman are buried here. In addition to founding the town, Morris was also the towns first postmaster. He chose the name Lantana for the flowering plant that grew in the area. Sadly soon after Morris purchased the cemetery, he and his wife Mary buried their nine month old daughter, Bertha Rachel. Also buried in this cemetery is Dan McCarley, the areas first Barefoot Mailman. The Barefoot Mailmen were US postal workers who delivered the mail in South Florida from 1885 to 1893 by walking barefoot on the beach from Palm Beach to Miami. Dan also became Lantana's first chief of police. Burials in the cemetery ended in 1950 so that the only people buried here are city pioneers.
The City of Lantana currently owns the cemetery and in 2012 a fence was installed. In the center of the cemetery is a large Banyan tree. A historical marker was installed explaining the historical significance of this cemetery. This is a well maintained an excellent place to explore the history of this quaint beach side town. read more