January 2026 Tidbits from the Museum Series

Episode #3: Calabasas Cemetery

By Helen Serras-Herman, RRHS Past President

The Calabasas Cemetery is located off the East Frontage Road in Rio Rico just south of Exit 17, nestled between huge produce buildings. The original tall arc with the metal artwork name welcomes visitors.

A gravel path leads to dozens of graves, where headstones – weather-worn, chipped, tilted, or with faded engraved dates from the 1860’s to the 1950s, still stand the time. About 40 soldiers were buried here after being based at nearby Fort Mason. Honoring the soldiers, more than 30 bodies were dug out and taken to the San Francisco National Cemetery.

The clearing of the heavy brush at the cemetery since 2015 was the dedicated work of Rio Rico resident and Veteran David Goodman, but members of the RRHS have at times helped to clear the weeds. Our photographic exhibit at the RRHM honors all those buried at the Calabasas Cemetery and the fallen veterans.

Please be respectful if you are visiting the cemetery on your own. It is best to join us on a Rio Rico Historical Society Bus Tour, as the Calabasas Cemetery is often one of our favorite stops.

Entrance to the Calabasas Cemetery