Potter's Field Cemetery
History Preserved, Stories Honored
A place with a long and sometimes dark history, Potter's Field Cemetery is a very unique space. It is currently neglected and overgrown, but the potential of this place is endless, and its history should not be buried under a canopy of honeysuckle.
This Potter's Field Cemetery is location along Guerley Road in Cincinnati's West Price Hill Neighborhood.
Brief Timeline of
Potter's Field Cemetery
1849
The Potter's Field Cemetery at Guerley Road was established during the city's worst cholera outbreak for mass burials.
1852
Government officials began using the site for those who couldn't afford burial.
1831
The "Pest House" or Dunham Hospital managed the cemetery from 1879.
1880
Potter’s field became a popular supply for corpses (stolen)
1895
From the formal two sites to the new one at Guerley Road
1901
Hamilton County Estimates 8,400 Burials Before 1901
1912
The Hamilton County Welfare Department Took Over Cemetery Operations After Hospital Closure
1934
Half of Potter's Field Was Used for Rapid Run Park, Bodies Found During Pond Construction
1981
Ceased Burial Operations on the Site
2000
Maintenance of Potter's Field was transferred to the City of Cincinnati Park Board
2025
25 years of neglect
20xx
The project is jumping into the future, suggesting an appropriate walking trail location based on current information and a smart technology overlay to learn about its history and its people.
Current Conditions
Beautiful. Abandoned. Overgrown.
Intermediate Work
Photo: Teddy Morgan-Jablonski
Photo: Omega Mapping Services
Photo: Facebook - Weed Wrandle
Photo: Classic City Aborists
A lot of work needs to be done to Potter’s Field to get to a point where our ideas could be implemented. Clearing of undergrowth, careful removal of invasive species, accurate mapping of grave locations, backfilling of graves, and discovery/cleaning/repair of grave markers are just a few to start.
Clear Undergrowth
Removal of invasive species
Mapping of grave locations
Backfilling graves
Discovering, repairing, and cleaning grave markers
Photo: Sandy Rice
This historic location requires careful attention if it is going to be transformed from an
abandoned lot into a historic cemetery and park.
Updated Trails
for Potter's Field Cemetery
Bringing an abandoned path to the present
Building a trail on this site is a difficult task because the graves have not been mapped and most are unmarked. A trail built on top of the graves would be inappropriate.
By looking at historic maps and imagery, we were able to identify a potential location for a mulch walking path along the existing carriage trail and old railroad bed. These maps were provided by the local historian Sandy Rice. There would not be any graves along these routes which makes them an excellent place to start rebuilding trails through the cemetery.
Photos: Sandy Rice
Once intermediate work is complete, more trails can be built.
Inspired by the beautiful work of Tetsuo Kondo Architects and their project Path in The Forest, a similar trail could possibly be built in Potter's Field Cemetery connected and supported by the trees.
This would give visitors a unique way to interact with this beautiful historic location.
A new trail for the future
Below is an isometric drawing of what the cemetery could look like once the work is complete.
The Neighborhood Scale
Potter's Field Cemetery at
This site is conveniently located between two active parks: Dunham Recreation Center and Lick Run Park. Potter's Field serves as a vital connection between these locations. A walking path would connect these two parks into a larger regional trail network and would service Price Hill and the larger tristate region.
Smart Technology
at a historic site
Augmented Reality programs like Hoverlay can be used to create immersive experiences anywhere.
The video to the right is just one example of what can be done with a program like Hoverlay.
Using augmented reality, virtual exhibits can be created at different points in Potter's Field Cemetery. Visitors can learn about the cemetery's history and the people buried there. Exhibits can be changed with the seasons or for special events.
This creates a new and fun way to interact with the cemetery preserves its history while encouraging visitors.
This project touches on four of the five dimensions: Public Space, Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure, Spiritual and Social, and Smart Technology. New paths, both on the ground and above, make the site more inviting to the public. removal of invasive species creates opportunities for native ones to take root and flourish. The elevated path in the trees creates an opportunity for reflection. The use of Hoverlay to create memorials and new ways to learn about the history is a creative way to use smart technology in a historic location.
List of functions
There are many different functions that this site can hold. Below is a list of a few that this project is proposing.
Place of Reflection
Passive Recreation
Historic Place
Walking Path
Connection between Dunham Recreation Center and Rapid Run Park
Potter's Field Cemetery at Guerley Road is a unique place here in Cincinnati. This project is just one of many (both official and unofficial) that have been proposed over the years. As of April 4, 2025, no real work has started on the site. Before starting any real work at this site, it is important to reach out to the community in Price Hill, local community groups, and the people who have dedicated their lives to preserving its history. The best and most successful projects are born out of community engagement and working together. Most importantly, remember to always respect the cemetery, the people interred there, and the space's primary purpose.