The Basto Cemetery had its beginnings in 1887 on this site, east of the Basto Post Office in Section 30, Township 145, Range 83, overlooking the Missouri River Valley to the south. This area was home to many Swedish settlers. Basto is a village in Ostergotland (east good land) in south central Sweden, and was close to where some of these pioneers immigrated from.

It was assumed that Birka Lutheran Church was to be built at this location. However, after much discussion among church members, it was decided to build the church 3 miles to the northeast on land donated by Carl J. Carlson.

Remains from some of the graves were disinterred to be moved to Birka Cemetery or elsewhere. The approximately twelve remaining graves, whose markings have been absorbed by the elements of the prairie, are the final resting places of the following pioneer

Mr. Olavus E. (Ericksson) Lundquist
Mrs. Maria/Maja (Jonsdotter) Lundquist
Mrs. Mathilda (Anderson) Lundquist with baby Carl (infant son)
Johannes Johanson
Mr. Abraham (Carlson) Youngquist
Rose Larson
Clarence Larson
Mr. J. Gotfried E. Reimers
Mrs. Elsa K. Reimers
Anna Reimers
Unknown

Aerial view to east with mine in background taken May 15, 2023.

Aerial view to south with power plant in background taken May 15, 2023.

Aerial view to southwest with Stanton in far background taken May 15, 2023.