Laurel Hill Cemetery - Philadelphia, PA
N 40° 00.251 W 075° 11.252
18T E 483993 N 4428237
This place is so much more than a cemetery, it is more like a museum, a gallery of art, of sculptures, gardens, and history. Reading the headstones is more like taking a history course on American history. Many famous war heroes rest here.
Waymark Code: WM1RQE
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 07/03/2007
Views: 34
Designed by John Notman in 1835-1836, Laurel Hill is one of America's oldest "romantic" cemeteries. Although its primary purpose was obvious, it was also intended to be a place where mourners and tourists alike could seek comfort and solace (not only from their grief, but also from the increasing urbanism around them) as they wandered along winding walkways among its elaborate tombs and landscaped grounds. Andrew Jackson Downing cited Laurel Hill as a model for large urban parks, at a time when city dwellers were in desperate need of green space. The cemetery is open to the public.
Cemetery hauntings are very well know at this NRHP site & are actually used to market the graveyard. Around Halloween, Laurel Hill hosts a variety of guided tours perfect for the Halloween season & designed to scare the "you know what" out of you.
On my recent visit, I visited the graves of Strawbridge, Hugh Mercer, Henry Charles Lea, Simon Gratz, General Hull, Wharton and so many others. I would estimate three hours would give you a decent flavor of the place. Visit their website to find out about programs. There is simply so much to do here!
