In the US, cemeteries are often the oldest existing remnants of European settlers. In the Husdson Valley, which luckily has preserved much of its heritage, many small towns maintain their historic cemeteries. This headstone is from 1785, in the town of Canaan. RIP Esther Million.
The New 3 Rs: Retire, Recharge, Reconnect 
One thing that I remember from living in Saskatchewan was cemeteries for towns that no longer existed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is interesting what survives.
LikeLike
In parts of Saskatchewan, if the grain elevator closed the town could disappear. You would sometimes see road signs pointing to towns where no one lived anymore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know. I grew up in northwestern Minnesota and the same is true there.
LikeLiked by 1 person