Dravo Cemetery Is The Most Notorious Cemetery Near Pittsburgh

Do you believe in ghosts? Even if you don’t or you’re on the fence, you might just find your mind changed after a visit to this notorious cemetery near Pittsburgh. You can certainly visit during the day. But, for the best chance of experiencing the paranormal, stroll through the cemetery after dark with or, if you’ve got the stomach for it, without your friends. Before you go, though, here’s the backstory.

Nestled in the town of Buena Vista, about 40 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, Dravo Cemetery sits right along the Youghiogheny River Trail.

FourSquare/Steve J.

Early in its existence, the cemetery lay behind Dravo Methodist Church. But, the church’s location, next to railroad tracks, proved less than ideal.

Flickr/Donnie Nunley

In fact, the church, which originally opened in 1824, burned down twice, the second time in 1920. After the second fire, the church members decided not to rebuild.

Flickr/Steven Bochniewicz

Spanning only half an acre, Dravo Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 700 souls. However, the identity of only 81 of the individuals in those graves are known.

Flickr/David Fulmer

In addition to the nine Civil War veterans and the lone War of 1812 veteran buried at Dravo Cemetery, the majority of the graves are believed to belong to children. Local lure says those children died from illness or disease.

FourSquare/Sword N.

For years, visitors to the cemetery have told tales of the unexplained and the paranormal. Some visitors claim to hear the sound of a train whistle and see the outline of a train - much like the train that sparked the devastating church fire nearly a century ago - rush by the cemetery.

Flickr/Giles Watson

And, others tell of seeing the silhouettes of children, perhaps the unidentified souls buried in the cemetery.

Flickr/April Barrett

But, if you really want to be spooked out, keep an eye out for the barking, two-headed dog that’s often seen and heard by those who visit in the evening.

Flickr/Alyssa Heib

Address: Buena Vista, PA 15018

Flickr/David Fulmer

Have you ever been to this cemetery near Pittsburgh? Did you experience the paranormal? Share your experience in the comments! Then, click here to read about 10 more haunted places around the city.

FourSquare/Steve J.

Flickr/Donnie Nunley

Flickr/Steven Bochniewicz

Flickr/David Fulmer

FourSquare/Sword N.

Flickr/Giles Watson

Flickr/April Barrett

Flickr/Alyssa Heib

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