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In reading about this, my first thought was... in 300 years will they be digging up our current cemeteries? The answer is a resounding 'very possible'. Althoug

In reading about this, my first thought was... in 300 years will they be digging up our current cemeteries? The answer is a resounding 'very possible'. Although there are federal laws on the books https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaeological_ethics#Preservation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaeological_ethics#Preserva... There was a modern attempt at relocating a cemetery in 1988 that ultimately failed for political reasons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eloise_Cemetery#Present_situation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eloise_Cemetery#Present_situat... And there are things like this in the Texas State Code that give clearance for eminent domain actions: https://casetext.com/statute/texas-codes/water-code/title-4-general-law-districts/chapter-49-provisions-applicable-to-all-districts/subchapter-h-powers-and-duties/section-49224-power-to-condemn-cemeteries https://casetext.com/statute/texas-codes/water-code/title-4-... So don't buy a plot in a prospective dam/reservoir area in Texas if you want to be undisturbed for centuries.

laurent92 6y ago
In France, burial « concessions » are 10 years renewable to 30 years. I’m not sure what options are in case your family wants to keep your grave longer. Is it indefinite duration in USA?
- tkahnoski 6y ago
  I personally have no idea. US culture is rather averse to discussing matters of death so this is all new. My brief searching around looks like this is tied to however you purchase the plot and the terms set with the cemetery itself and if they expire, they just bury someone a foot or two above the previous plot owner after removing the headstone....
- retrac 6y ago
  At least here in Ontario, Canada, cemetery plots are infinite duration, and the land is classified for that purpose forever. There are plenty of little cemetery plots attached to old 19th century churches in downtown Toronto, now surrounded by skyscrapers. I think it's the same in the USA.
Larrikin 6y ago
Does it really matter if you are dead, everyone who ever knew you is dead, and everyone that was told about you is dead? I don't believe the burial grounds should just be disrespected and all the bones dumped in the trash, but if 300 years from now scientist want to research an aspect of our lives to further humanity it seems like the dead shouldn't be trying to hamper that. I'd even be fine if the land was even used for building development so long as the removal process is similar to an archaeological dig and it is very easy for charitable groups to stake a claim to maintain the grounds and pay taxes on it. From an American perspective, I'm thinking of Native American religious burial sites, slave burial sites, and other sites that may have historical significance but were not allowed to be maintained properly.

laurent92 6y ago

In France, burial « concessions » are 10 years renewable to 30 years. I’m not sure what options are in case your family wants to keep your grave longer. Is it indefinite duration in USA?

tkahnoski 6y ago
I personally have no idea. US culture is rather averse to discussing matters of death so this is all new. My brief searching around looks like this is tied to however you purchase the plot and the terms set with the cemetery itself and if they expire, they just bury someone a foot or two above the previous plot owner after removing the headstone....
retrac 6y ago
At least here in Ontario, Canada, cemetery plots are infinite duration, and the land is classified for that purpose forever. There are plenty of little cemetery plots attached to old 19th century churches in downtown Toronto, now surrounded by skyscrapers. I think it's the same in the USA.

Larrikin 6y ago

Does it really matter if you are dead, everyone who ever knew you is dead, and everyone that was told about you is dead? I don't believe the burial grounds should just be disrespected and all the bones dumped in the trash, but if 300 years from now scientist want to research an aspect of our lives to further humanity it seems like the dead shouldn't be trying to hamper that. I'd even be fine if the land was even used for building development so long as the removal process is similar to an archaeological dig and it is very easy for charitable groups to stake a claim to maintain the grounds and pay taxes on it. From an American perspective, I'm thinking of Native American religious burial sites, slave burial sites, and other sites that may have historical significance but were not allowed to be maintained properly.