Victoria Memorial Square cemetery founded in 1793 and oldest resting place in Toronto

Victoria Memorial Square Cemetery: Toronto’s Historic Garrison Cemetery
Discovered on my post-New Year’s (2025) walk

Founded in 1793 by Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe, Victoria Memorial Square Cemetery—also known as Garrison Cemetery—holds over 400 burials and stands as one of Toronto’s earliest burial grounds.

Among the first to be laid to rest was Simcoe’s infant daughter, Katherine, marking the beginning of this historic site’s long story.

The cemetery officially closed in 1863, declared full after 70 years of use. Unfortunately, following its closure, the site fell into neglect and suffered vandalism over the decades, leaving only 17 surviving gravestones today.

Located on Niagara Street, Victoria Memorial Square is also the final resting place for several War of 1812 victims, preserving a poignant chapter of Canadian history within its grounds.

1793-1863