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Abstract
Gravestones from the Mare Island Naval Cemetery were recorded, compared, and analyzed for evidence of a connection between the choice of gravestone style, material, or location with five aspects of identity: age, sex, occupation, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. The cemetery is separated into six sections, labeled A, B, C, D, E, and F. Data on gravestone style, material, and location were collected during two public cultural resources surveys in collaboration with the City of Vallejo. Historical research supplemented the data gathered on site. Data was gathered for all 903 gravestones within the cemetery.
Analysis of these data included a spatial analysis of maps pertaining to the five aspects of identity and statistical analysis using Chi-Square and Cramer’s V to determine the level of association between two variables. The spatial analysis indicates that individuals with a monthly income of $90.00 or more as well as individuals of a higher ranking officers occupation were located at the top of the hill in the cemetery in Section A and the top of Section C. Section A, at the top of the hill, also contained the most youth (age 17 and younger). These data suggest these areas were reserved for high ranking or upper-class individuals and their families. Statistical analysis indicated that none of the aspects of identity had a strong influence on the choice of gravestone material or style, which suggests an equality in death regarding style and material.
