Authors Release Book on Historic Denver Cemeteries

Mark A. Barnhouse and James M. Cavoto Sr. document over a dozen Denver-area burial grounds in their new work.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Rodeo

Authors Release Book on Historic Denver Cemeteries

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Should local communities prioritize documenting historical sites even when commercial profit is not guaranteed?

Mark A. Barnhouse and James M. Cavoto Sr. have released their new book, Historic Cemeteries of Denver, published by History Press. The collaborative project surveys more than 12 local burial sites including Riverside and Fairmount.

Why it matters

The authors aimed to preserve the history and legacy of Denver-area cemeteries and the notable individuals buried within them. Their work serves as a comprehensive record for the local community regarding the region's burial grounds.

The completed manuscript reaches 58,000 words, exceeding the publisher's assigned maximum limit by 8,000 words. The book provides a survey of 12 burial grounds, including five major sites like Mount Olivet, Crown Hill, and Fort Logan.

The players

Mark A. Barnhouse

He is a co-author who partnered on the project to document the historical legacy of local burial sites.

James M. Cavoto Sr.

He is a co-author who collaborated to produce the comprehensive text on Denver-area cemetery history.

History Press

This publishing company released the book following the authors' agreement to waive royalty payments.

West Side Books

This is an independent retailer currently offering the new book for purchase.

The details

To ensure their full 58,000-word manuscript was published without cuts, the authors relinquished their royalties. The project began as an expansion of a smaller survey on Fairmount Cemetery before growing into a wider document of regional history.

The Denver Posse of Westerners began meeting monthly in 1945.
The authors partnered to begin the book project in 2018.
The book was released to the public in October 2026.

Season Trajectory

The documentation of regional history in Historic Cemeteries of Denver follows a pattern established by the 1945 founding of the Denver Posse of Westerners monthly meeting tradition. This project reflects a sustained commitment to preserving local narrative history.

Readers interested in local history can purchase the book at independent retailers like West Side Books. The 58,000-word volume provides a detailed guide to burial sites including Fairmount and Fort Logan for those researching regional genealogy.

The takeaway

Preservation projects often require personal sacrifices from authors to ensure complete historical records reach the public. Interested readers should check local independent bookstores for availability of this comprehensive Denver survey.