Cemetery Timeline
Hebrew Cemetery Timeline
February 18, 1878
Leadville incorporates as a city electing Horace Tabor as Mayor.

July 14, 1879
Gustave "Fred" Jelenko dies (from an overdose of medicinal opium). His death, Jewish tradition, and Leadville’s explosive growth reinforce the community’s need for a Jewish cemetery.

January, 1880
101,000 square feet of the southwest corner of Evergreen Cemetery is purchased by the Hebrew Benevolent Association.
Gustave “Fred” Jelenko was the first to be buried in the new Hebrew Cemetery in Leadville.

1981
Minette Miller dies. She is the last resident descendant of the pioneering Jews in Leadville.
June 18, 1993
Temple Israel Foundation acquires the Hebrew Cemetery through a Quiet Title action.

August, 1997
Organized restoration efforts begin with the assistance of the Denver chapter of B’nai B’rith and B’nai Vail.

August, 1999
The Hebrew Cemetery is re-consecrated after years of cleanup efforts led by the Denver chapter of B’nai B’rith.

2001
The Hebrew Cemetery establishes Block E for modern burials.

June, 2016
The annual volunteer Clean-up Weekend celebrates 20 years of Denver chapter of B’nai B’rith’s ongoing support of cemetery upkeep.

Temple Israel Foundation
208 West 8th Street
Leadville, Colorado 80461
303.709.7050

Temple Israel Museum
201 West 4th Street
Leadville, Colorado 80461
Wm.A.Korn@gmail.com

Hebrew Cemetery
SW Corner of Evergreen Cemetery
North end of James Street, Leadville
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