The orderly arrangement and simple design of the stones in this cemetery reflect the communal lifestyle and egalitarian ideals of the Shakers buried here. Their lives were also marked by innovation, craftsmanship, and industriousness as they lived, worked, and worshiped together to build a "heaven on earth." Their core beliefs included pacifism, confession of sins, and celibacy as a path to a pure life and salvation, and they created a unique chapter in American history. This cemetery is part of the first Shaker settlement in the US. Following their charismatic leader Mother Ann Lee, a small band of Shakers traveled from Manchester, England, to New York City in 1774 seeking a place to worship freely. Twelve Shakers arrived in Albany in 1776. Known as the Watervliet or Niskayuna Shakers, they eventually established four "Families" or villages within a mile of this site. They owned or leased over 4,000 acres between here and the Mohawk River. The 445 burials reflect the equality of all Brethren and Sisters. There are a number of African-Americans, including Violet Bennett, who was the first burial in 1785. A few Shakers who committed suicide are included among the burials, not shunned. Graves in the first row are "Worlds People," as non-Shakers were known, who had lived with the Shakers or wished to be buried near their Shaker relatives. While the Shakers were pacifists, some graves belong to veterans who joined the community after they fought in the Revolutionary War or other conflicts. The original stones were replaced by the Shakers in 1880. Mother Ann Lee, her brother Willam Lee, and one other man were originally buried on what is now Albany Airport property and were moved here in 1835. Mother Ann's stone is the only one that does not reflect the equality of all other community members. Mother Lucy Wright was the Lead Minister, or national head of the Shakers, from 1795 to 1821. Based at the Mt. Lebanon Shaker community, she returned to Albany at the end of her life. Eldress Anna Case was the last person buried here. Her death at the South Family in 1938 signaled the end of Albany's Shaker community after 162 years. When Albany County purchased the nearby Church Family property in 1925, ownership of the cemetery remained with the United Society of Believers, the formal name of the Shakers.
