Incorporated in 1863 and dedicated in 1864, Crown Hill soon became the area's largest cemetery. While it aimed to provide burial space for the large number of war dead from Indiana, it also was made to serve the growing community of Indianapolis. Currently it is the third largest cemetery in the United States. It sits upon 555 acres and has roughly 25 miles of road within. Approximately 1500 burials occur each year.

The original entrance was on the west side of the cemetery on Michigan Road, but it was closed in 1901. The magnificent entrance on 34th Street (39.81730, -86.16470) on the east side of the cemetery was opened on May 1, 1866. While that entrance is still in use, the main entrance is the North Entrance just north of 38th Street on Clarendon Road. Enter at the funeral home, which was added in 1993, and drive around its north side to enter the cemetery. There is an underpass, which was built in 1925, through which to access the south side of the cemetery.

The North Entrance has longer hours than the 34th Street Entrance which normally closes and is locked between 5 and 6 p.m. depending on the time of year. Also the North Entrance is where the office is located. It is in the same building as the funeral home and can be accessed from the southwest side of the building. Office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The office is closed on Sundays and holidays.

The Crown Hill Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization which was incorporated in 1985. They serve to protect the historically significant buildings and landmarks at Crown Hill. They also plan tours of the cemetery at various times of the year. If you are interested in learning more about the foundation, you can contact them at (317) 920-4165.

Also on the same grounds is the historic Crown Hill National Cemetery. It is also identified as Sections 9 and 10, but is a separate cemetery. The land was purchased by the US Government on August 27, 1866.