Pueblo Elks Rest, Roselawn Cemetery, Pueblo, Colorado

The Elks Rest in Roselawn Cemetery, Pueblo, Colorado

Many larger cities will have a designated Elks Burial ground for those wishing to be buried with their brothers. B.P.O.E. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is a fraternal organization founded in 1868 in New York City. There are said to be over 85 cemetery plots like this in the United States with some States having more than one, though not all states have them. Colorado has at least 6 including this one in Pueblo at Roselawn Cemetery (Was called Riverview Cemetery in the past).

The Pueblo Charter was formed July 12th, 1890 and incorporated soon after. They met in rooms above the Stock Growers Bank in the beginning and later purchased the St. James Hotel in the 400 Block of North Sante Fe Avenue which became their home in 1904.The Pueblo Elks lodge is still in service to this date. They were the 90th lodge chartered in the United States. 

This 12 ton Monument was commissioned in 1907 by the Pueblo Elks Lodge. The carved granite base came from Salida, Colorado. The life-sized statue was ordered from a Manufacturer in Philadelphia and brought in via the railroad. What a sight that must have been for the locals to watch this elk arrive and be moved to the cemetery, then be mounted on this large base. The plaque near the Elks Rest states that the elk was moved using rolling logs in a block and tackle pulley method. 

The base reads “Our Absent Brothers B.P.O.E. Pueblo Lodge No. 90.”

There are more than 100 Elks buried here and room for nearly 100 more when needed. 

The Elks promote “Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity.”