Cast Iron Grave Markers. Genealogy, History, Family History, American South.

      Cast iron grave markers were used in many countries, we have seen one with a Celtic Cross in Australia. These grave markers were inexpensive and easily obtainable. The top image shows a cast iron marker with two hands clasped which represents farewell, and a palm tree pinnacle which represents Christ’s victory of death (see detail). On the lower part of the marker, there is a hand with the first or index finger pointing upward while the other digits and thumb are closed. This symobol represents pointing upward to Heaven and Eternity, while under the hand there appears to be a wheel, possibily the Wheel of Life.
      The two cast iron markers in the images directly above were found on the property below the St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Cemetery in Bolinas, Marin County, California. The two markers were probably discards from that cemetery. The cemetery is in good condition and it appears that some of the current markers are replacements.
      USA Quartermaster General Montgomery C. Meigs, in his annual report of 1866, proposed an economical solution for durable grave markers. He stated, “A design has been adopted for a small cast-iron monument, to be protected from rust by a coating of zinc, to have in raised letters cast in the solid, the name, rank, regiment and company of each soldier or officer. One of these will be placed at the foot of every grave and will remain when the wooden headboards decay and perish.”