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Allentown's Union & West End Cemetery is in the heart of the old Allentown Preservation District and consists of 19.6 acres. The cemetery is actually two adjoining 19th century burial grounds. Union Cemetery opened in 1854; West End opened in 1876. They united as a single, nonprofit cemetery association on May 4, 1895, yet they still retain distinct designs.
The Union & West End Cemetery is the final resting place for 654 Civil War solders as well as 5 Revolutionary war solders and numerous veterans from the Mexican War, Spanish American War, WW1, WW2, Korea and Vietnam.
In 1997, the existing Board of Directors ran out of funds and resigned, abandoning the cemetery. Because the cemetery was not associated with a church, it lacked the financial support to continue. The cemetery fell on hard times as the city and community attempted to maintain the cemetery. During these days the cemetery burial book was lost. Most of the burials by grave surveys and records have been recreated at the local Library and Historical Societies.
During 1999, the all-volunteer Board obtained funds from the state of Pa and private grants for mowing equipment. The cemetery continues to be maintained by a small group of dedicated volunteers.