Martinez Historical Society

Cemetery Tour of Martinez

Potters Field

Potters Field was established in 1873 for the burial of "strangers and others not having purchased lots in the cemetery." The name is derived from a Biblical passage in the Book of Matthew. There is some evidence that the areas where potters dug out clay to make their wares were used as ready-made burial sites.

During the busy time of Port Costa's grain shipping years, accidents occurred on the Strait. An apprentice drowned after falling into the Strait, a cabin boy fell from the mast of a British ship. Each lad was buried here instead of being returned to their homeland. Several sailors were buried in Potter's Field when there was no provision to bury them otherwise.