The Woodlands
| The Woodlands | |
|---|---|
| Type | Historic cemetery / Estate / Arboretum |
| Location | West Philadelphia (near University City) |
| Coordinates | 39.9430,-75.2050 |
| Area | 54 acres |
| Established | 1840 (as cemetery); mansion c. 1770 |
| Operated by | The Woodlands Trust |
| Features | Federal mansion, historic cemetery, arboretum, river views |
| Hours | Grounds: dawn to dusk; Mansion: tours by appointment |
| Transit | SEPTA trolley; walk from 40th Street |
| Website | Official Site |
The Woodlands is a 54-acre historic estate, cemetery, and arboretum in West Philadelphia, combining an exceptional Federal-era mansion with a designed Victorian cemetery landscape. The estate of William Hamilton, an early American botanist, The Woodlands preserves both architectural and horticultural significance while serving as an active cemetery and public green space.[1]
The Woodlands represents a rare survival of an 18th-century country estate within the urban landscape.
History
William Hamilton's Estate
William Hamilton (1745-1813) created The Woodlands:
- Grandson of Andrew Hamilton (Independence Hall designer)
- Wealthy landowner and botanist
- Built estate beginning 1770s
- Introduced hundreds of plant species to America
- Corresponded with Thomas Jefferson on plants
The Mansion
Hamilton's mansion is architecturally significant:
- 1788-1789: Major expansion in Federal style
- Among first American buildings with Greek details
- Influenced by English Neoclassicism
- National Historic Landmark
Botanical Legacy
Hamilton made The Woodlands a botanical showplace:
- Introduced Lombardy poplar to America
- Imported hundreds of species from Europe
- Created one of America's first major plant collections
- Corresponded with international botanists
- Jefferson sent him Lewis and Clark expedition seeds
Cemetery Conversion
After Hamilton's death:
- 1840: Estate converted to rural cemetery
- Joined Laurel Hill Cemetery in rural cemetery movement
- Preserved the landscape while adding burials
- Mansion and grounds maintained
- Notable Philadelphians buried here
Features
The Mansion
Federal masterpiece:
- Grand neoclassical design
- Oval rooms and curved walls
- Elaborate plasterwork
- Original architectural details
- Tours available by appointment
Cemetery
Victorian landscape:
- Winding paths
- Elaborate monuments
- Historic graves
- Designed plantings
- River views
Arboretum
Living plant collection:
- Remnants of Hamilton's collection
- Champion trees
- Historic specimens
- Ongoing botanical programs
- Tree identification tours
Notable Interments
The cemetery contains:
- Thomas Eakins — Renowned painter
- Rembrandt Peale — Portrait painter
- Anthony Drexel — Financier, Drexel University founder
- Many prominent Philadelphia families
Schuylkill River Views
- Overlooks of river
- Historic landscape vistas
- Scenic paths
Visiting
Hours
Grounds:
- Dawn to dusk daily
- Free admission
Mansion Tours:
- By appointment
- Special events
- Check website for schedule
Getting There
Location: 4000 Woodland Avenue, West Philadelphia
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA trolley (routes 11, 13, 34, 36) to 40th Street
- Walk west to Woodland Avenue
By Car:
- Enter from Woodland Avenue
- Limited parking on grounds
Tips
- The mansion is worth seeing—check tour schedule
- The grounds are lovely for walking
- Respect the cemetery's purpose
- Spring and fall are beautiful for tree viewing
- Combine with visit to nearby Clark Park
Programs
- Mansion tours
- Tree walks
- Cemetery tours
- Educational programs
- Special events
Nearby
- University City — East
- Clark Park — Northeast
- Bartram's Garden — South along river
- Cobbs Creek Park — West
- Schuylkill River — Western boundary
See Also
References
- ↑ "The Woodlands". The Woodlands Trust. Retrieved December 30, 2025