Kitsap County News

PORT ORCHARD, Wash. — Silverdale Cemetery, located at 10950 Impasse Pl NW in Silverdale, has officially been added to the Washington Heritage Register, recognizing its enduring cultural and historical significance to the Silverdale community and Washington state.

The 4.87-acre cemetery was established in 1896 when William Acker dedicated the land for cemetery use. William Littlewood (1823-1895), a logger and the earliest recorded settler in the Silverdale area appearing in the 1857 census, is believed to be the first community member buried there.

"Silverdale Cemetery is not only a resting place for many of our community's early settlers and veterans, but it continues to serve a vital role today. It has been used for the dignified burial of 92 indigent individuals to date—underscoring its ongoing relevance and compassionate service to our community," said Commissioner Katie Walters. "This site holds deep historical significance, reflecting Silverdale's heritage and the stories of those who helped shape our region. Recognizing Silverdale Cemetery on the Heritage Register ensures that its legacy is preserved and honored for generations to come."

The cemetery was formally founded by a group of 20 local men who formed the Silverdale Cemetery Association on Aug. 20, 1917, with the purpose of providing a final resting place for community members.

The cemetery houses the remains of many notable Silverdale pioneers including:

• Charles E. Greaves (1866-1944), who helped establish the first bank in the area and survived an attempted murder in 1927;
• Christian Braendlein (1861-1932), who named the community of Silverdale; and
• Thomas Hagener (1856-1947), organizer of the first farmer's co-op in the state in 1887.

The cemetery also continues to serve the community in meaningful ways. In 2002, a cemetery member donated two lots to the Kitsap County Medical Examiner's office for the burial of indigent individuals, and to date, 92 indigent community members are buried there.

Silverdale Cemetery now joins more than 2,100 other sites listed on the Washington Heritage Register, a statewide program administered by the  Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (DAHP) that honors locations of exceptional historical significance.

In a letter to Commissioner Walters, State Historic Preservation Officer Allyson Brooks, Ph.D., emphasized that listing on the register is an honor that comes with potential benefits, including property tax deductions and code waivers designed to support the preservation of historic resources.