The establishment of this memorial park was brought about by an existing community need. From the beginning, in the days of the "49ers" the concentration of the population in this area, along the Tuolumne River, required a burial plot. By the turn of the century, this area enjoyed an increased growth in population extending on each side of the river, bringing about a need for larger grounds which a few years later resulted in the formation of a Cemetery - The Empire Hughson Cemetery.

A half century later the extended community needed additional interment grounds. The existing cemeteries, near the large population growth a few miles down the Tuolumne River, were surrounded by urban development. The land surrounding the Empire-Hughson Cemetery which included Pioneer Burial Plot was an ideal site.

With the aid of the community planners, both county and city, a group of citizens, knowing that the cornerstone of a well integrated and efficient society is found in combined talents of those who serve their community, brought about the beginning of a solution to this area’s need.

Over one hundred years have passed and one thing that remains is a marker placed by the Native Daughters of the Golden West in commemoration of our Early Pioneers which is the Cemetery.