Description of Historic Place

The Gordon Cemetery is located about three kilometres north of Alberton on Route 152. It is situated in a wooded area. The headstones are not visible from the highway.

Heritage Value

The Cemetery is valued for its association with the early Scottish pioneers of the area. It is the location of a memorial cairn to the Gordon martyrs. Rev. George N. Gordon and his wife perished as Presbyterian missionaries to Erromanga in the New Hebrides in 1861. Tragically, his brother, Rev. James D. Gordon, followed the couple and was also martyred in 1872. The cairn was established in 1955.

The cemetery contains seven burials and six headstones, including the parents of Rev. George and Rev. James Gordon. They were John Gordon (1784-1864) and Mary Ramsay Gordon (1812-?). The first burial occurred in 1857, the last in 1886.

With its association with some of the earliest residents in the community, the cemetery remains a landmark in Huntley.

Source: Culture and Heritage Division, PEI Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8
File #: 4310-20/A15

Character-Defining Elements

Character-defining elements which reflect the heritage value of the cemetery include:

- the six remaining headstones with inscriptions
- the pyramid shaped Gordon cairn of field stones
- the inscription to the Gordons on the cairn
- the location of the cemetery in a secluded wooded area with manicured grounds, fencing, and flowers