[3] The hill was originally named "Wunne Wah Jet" by the indigenous Wangunk people who lived in Middletown.

[6] The cemetery was developed, in part to change the association of Indian Hill as having been central to Wangunk life, as part of the City Beautiful movement which promoted the development of rural environments and landscapes for public spaces including cemeteries.

After the yellow fever epidemic of 1841, rural cemeteries were thought to be more hygienic since they were located on the outskirts of cities.

[2] The Indian Hill Cemetery was organized June 11, 1850, under a general act of legislation passed in 1841.

[9] He was the first president of the Indian Hill Cemetery Association and the chapel was built by his wife in his memory.