[1] The earliest known Catholic cemetery in Erie was on land purchased on East 9th Street in 1837 and consecrated to that purpose on 2 August 1840.

A site on Chestnut Street was acquired by the pastor of St. Mary's Church in 1848 and used by German Catholics.

As of 1884, some families had refused consent for the bodies of loved ones to be relocated.

[2] Trinity Cemetery, consisting of 30 acres (120,000 m2) of well-appointed walks, driveways, and ornamental trees and located about 4 miles (6.4 km) west of the city, was dedicated on 23 May 1869 in a consecration ceremony conducted by representatives of the diocese and area parishes and witnessed by thousands of local area residents.

Bishop Tobias Mullen and a host of local clergy processed from 8th Street to the cemetery that Sunday afternoon.