Cedar Grove Cemetery

Cedar Grove Cemetery

Cedar Grove Cemetery stands to the west of Notre Dame Avenue, adjacent to the Main Gate. This area was set aside as a burial ground even before the Congregation of Holy Cross arrived in the 1840s. For several decades, Catholic settlers and Native Americans were interred here. Near the entrance is the prominent granite monument of pioneer Alexis Coquillard whose family befriended Father Edward Sorin, founder of the University.

Several other historic figures are buried here, such as Joseph Cassasanta, composer of many of Notre Dame’s best known school songs, and Edward “Moose” Krause, a legendary Notre Dame athletic director and coach. Contrary to popular belief, Knute Rockne is not buried here but in another cemetery in South Bend. In the past several years, the policy allowing staff and faculty to be interred has been expanded to Notre Dame alumni through the “Coming Home” initiative. New mausoleums provide space on holy ground for the spirit of enduring family ties.

Learn more about the Cedar Grove Cemetery