Established in 1883 when G.W. Slaughter and G.P. Barber donated land to the city of Mineral Wells, Texas in Palo Pinto County. Prior to that time, a site known as "The Cove" served as a public burial place. Graves from The Cove were relocated to Elmwood in 1884. The oldest documented grave is that of Nellie Crump, who died in 1881. Other burials include those of the Mineral Wells city founder, James A. Lunch, his wife Arminda, and pioneer citizens. First known as "City Cemetery", the name Elmwood was adopted after ladies of the Civil League planted elm trees there in 1913.