Millersport Cemetery is a tranquil and historically significant site located just outside the village of Millersport, Ohio. As part of the Canal Heritage Trail, this cemetery is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, offering a direct connection to the labor and sacrifice behind the construction of the Ohio & Erie Canal.

Resting Place of Canal Workers

The cemetery holds the graves of many Irish immigrants who worked on the construction of the Ohio & Erie Canal, particularly the monumental Deep Cut—one of the canal’s most challenging engineering feats. These laborers, who faced grueling work conditions and many who perished due to disease and accidents, are remembered here in unmarked graves. It’s believed that over 100 workers are buried in the cemetery, making it an important memorial site for Ohio’s industrial history.

Views of Deep Cut and Canal History

From Millersport Cemetery, visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the Deep Cut, a 32-foot-deep section of the canal that was hand-dug through a ridge to connect Buckeye Lake to the rest of the Ohio canal system. The Deep Cut is considered one of the greatest engineering feats of its time and remains a testament to the incredible efforts that went into building the canal.

For those kayaking the historic canal in Millersport, the cemetery is easily visible along your route, offering a poignant sight as you paddle through the peaceful waters. As you glide along the canal, the cemetery provides a reflective space to consider the lives of the workers who helped construct this vital waterway, which once served as a major transportation route for goods and people.

Veterans Park Memorial

A newer addition to the cemetery is the Veterans Park section, a beautifully maintained area dedicated to honoring the men and women of the Millersport area who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This section includes memorials, flags, and markers that pay tribute to local veterans from various branches and eras of service. It offers visitors a serene place to reflect on the sacrifices made in both wartime and peacetime.

A Tribute to Canal History

Millersport Cemetery is not just a resting place—it is an important historical landmark along the Canal Heritage Trail.

Whether you’re visiting on foot, by bike, or paddling along the canal, Millersport Cemetery provides a meaningful connection to Ohio’s past. It’s a spot where history, nature, and reflection come together, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the canal’s impact on the region.