GRAND JUNCTION, Colorado (KJCT) – The Montrose County Board of County Commissioners has officially designated Button Cemetery a Montrose County Historic Landmark.

The cemetery, located near South Canal and Pahgre Road, contains the remains of workers who lost their lives during the construction of the South Canal, which was part of the Gunnison Tunnel Project in the early 1900s.

Button Cemetery serves as a memorial to the sacrifices of these people. There are 18 marked graves surrounded by a wooden fence.

“That’s what I love about this advisory board: You get to uncover all kinds of secrets and cool things in our community,” said Commissioner Sue Hansen. “It takes that passion to uncover these things and bring them to light so that we all understand what our community went through, and understanding the story of the people who worked on the tunnel and what ultimately happened to them is a treasure for us.”

“Preserving Button Cemetery as a historic landmark is an important step in honoring the memory of those who contributed to the development of our county,” said Kent Kinsey, chair of the Montrose County Historic Landmark Advisory. “This designation recognizes the cemetery’s historic significance and ensures its protection for future generations.”

Further information about the Monument Protection Advisory Board can be found on its website.

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