There is no exact date for the founding of El Carmelo Cemetery, but the first map of the Cemetery was made in March 1890. While the City of Pacific Grove is the last owner and operator of the cemetery, ownership changed a number of times in the early 1900s. The various owners included the El Carmelo Cemetery Association, Hind Harper, the Pacific Improvement Company, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The history is unclear, but according to the March 6, 1906 edition of the Pacific Grove Daily Review, the Odd Fellows ownership would not be exclusively for deceased lodge members and their relatives, but would be open to all. Those "desiring to have their lots cared for should make application to the lodge, the charge being from 25 cents to 50 cents per month for this service." A one-time Endowment Care fee at the time of purchase now pays for current and future care of the plots.
The oldest section of the cemetery has wooden markers and upright monuments located amidst stately pines and cypresses. The more recent sections are park-like settings with engraved markers placed flush with the grass. The beautiful Pacific Grove Golf Links borders the cemetery on two sides.
El Carmelo Cemetery has always been regarded as an ideal final resting place with its magnificent ocean views from almost any point on the grounds and peaceful surroundings.
Many of Pacific Grove's founding families occupy the cemetery: Jewell, Berwick, Olmsted, Paul, Dyke, to name a few. At the center of the Cemetery, near the canon, is the Grand Army of the Republic section where Union Veterans of the Civil War are buried.
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