The origin of the Pilgrim's Rest historic cemetery is closely connected to the legend of the Robber's Grave. The legend tells the story of an unknown man who was caught and convicted of tent robbing on the diggins and who was subsequently banished. A few days after his trial the thief was spotted on the hill, now known as Cemetery Hill, where he was shot and killed -- and buried where he fell. His grave lies north-south to brand him forever a thief. Shortly after this incident two other people died and were buried near the Robber's grave, thus the unplanned origin of the Pilgrim's Rest cemetery on a particular difficult and impractical terrain.