Victoria Memorial Square

Date: 1793 to 1862
Location: 10 Niagara Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

See Victoria Memorial Square category page for a list of people who are buried in this cemetery and more details and links.

This is one of Toronto's oldest cemeteries. It is known by several other names including; Garrison Burying Ground, St. John's Garrison Cemetery, The Old Military Burying Ground, The Garrison Cemetery, The Military Memorial Park,St. John the Evangelist Cemetery, The St. John's Square.

Anglican and non-sectarian cemetery, est. 1793. Last burial ca. 1862. Cairn erected in 1902 and 27 markers moved to Military Burial Grounds (New) but a small number have been preserved on this site. This site is maintained as a park by the City of Toronto.

The stone marking the cemetery has been preserved (see thumbnail) and contains the following inscription:

• St. John's Square
• The first military burying ground
• in Toronto
• Set apart in 1794 by
• Lieut, Governor Simcoe
• and used for sixty years
• (erected by the Canadian Club, 1899)

Resources for Further Research

Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) The OGS has transcribed most cemeteries in Toronto and this data is available for purchase through their website at OGS – Toronto Branch

• OGS Toronto Cemetery Map (Map ID: TRN-029)

• OGS cemetery ID: 5852 (See Victoria Memorial Park for more information)

The Ontario Name Index (TONI) Another resource provided by the Ontario Genealogical Society is The Ontario Name Index (TONI) which provides a searchable index of names. These names are linked to a number of different sources of data including cemetery transcriptions. It does not provide this source information but only where to find it. Most sources are available for purchase via the OGS (Note: this database includes all of Ontario and it is massive. Nevertheless, it may prove helpful place to start).

Ontario Cemetery Finding Aid (OCFA) Another excellent tool for searching cemetery records in Ontario is the Ontario Cemetery Finding Aid (OCFA). This is a comprehensive searchable database of cemeteries and family names. The site does not have links to transcriptions or provide details about the individual you may be searching for, but it is very helpful for quickly locating the burial location of someone in Ontario to guide your next steps for research.

List of Cemeteries in Toronto (Wikipedia)

Contact List for Major Cemeteries in Toronto. The City of Toronto maintains a number of cemeteries once the original owner/operator was no longer able to carry out this responsibility. A list of these cemeteries – closed but maintained by the City of Toronto – is available on the Toronto City website.