1818 Lee Cemetery

I have been anxiously awaiting my next trip to the north end of Peterborough! I hardly ever go up there, but I had to make the trip today, so I packed up my gear, my dogs, and my big rubber boots and headed out to look for a cemetery that might or might not exist.

The 1818 Lee Cemetery was located on the back of a farm property, which has since been demolished and the property now has a large walking path running through it. Chemong Rd is now a busy place with a huge amount of commercial properties and suburban sprawl everywhere. Unfortunately, because of that, this cemetery has seen a lot of damage and vandalism.

The Lee family settled in Peterborough in the 1810-1820's, meaning that this cemetery is nearly two centuries old. I walked up and down the path, going through the bushes and footpaths in the grass, hoping I would find this place. Turns out I missed it right when I walked in.

Can you see it? Let's look closer.

Yup, a cross in a tree. It was originally planted in the ground, but knocked over in a storm a few years ago. I walked all around the area, hoping to find some monuments left, but nothing seems to remain, other than a partial fence that used to enclose the cemetery. Also, a bunch of trash and broken paving stones.

At one point there used to be 2 or 3 graves here, one for John Lee and another for his son, Thomas Lee. Apparently, there was possibly a third grave for a young child possibly named Smithson. The area has a lot of plant cover, so watch your step and try not to trip over the vines and branches!