The land chosen by the fourth committee was claimed by Clark M. Lewis, but he could not provide clear title.

No records exist noting the payment of the prize[3] In 1901, Benjamin F. Miller deeded an additional 8 acres (32,000 m2) to the city in his will.

In 1929, Manhattan residents approved a bond vote for $12,000 to purchase 57 acres (230,000 m2) from Delmar Wickham.

The first grave is not officially recorded, but tradition claims that it was Juliet Whitehorn, who died of typhoid fever in November 1860.

The city created Sunrise Cemetery 80 acres (320,000 m2), located at 2901 Stagg Hill Road, which is actively receiving interments.