In their report that year (1875) the directors said: “The cemetery lies some three miles and a half northwest of Indianapolis, but the northern suburbs are approaching it rapidly and are already within a mile of the southern line.” On its selection not a little objection was made to its remoteness from the city. Ten years have proved that it was not too remote, and five more are likely to prove that it would have been better farther out. It lies on the highest ground near the city, in any direction, and the hill which gives it its name is the highest point within ten miles. “The site is probably as greatly diversified in surface as any similar extent of ground anywhere. On the extreme west line rises Crown Hill, with a level plain running out from its foot on all sides. This is bounded on the south by a series of gentle undulations, extending from the main entrance round to the east side, where they subside into a dell, heavy with forest and underbrush, and partly occupied by a pond which is in course of drainage. On the east, the level from the foot of the hill spreads to a beautiful hollow, deep, shady and retired, along which one of the main roads runs.
“Subsequent improvements, all made with discriminating judgment and good taste, have added to the natural beauties of the original purchase. The managers have been fortunate and successful from the beginning in obtaining the best results in the way of landscape beauty, both natural and artificial.”