Editing Laurel Hill Cemetery

{{Infobox Park
| name = Laurel Hill Cemetery
| image =
| image_caption = Laurel Hill Cemetery overlooking the Schuylkill River
| type = Historic cemetery / Landscape
| location = East Falls (Schuylkill River)
| coordinates = 40.0080,-75.1920
| area = 78 acres
| established = 1836
| operated_by = Laurel Hill Cemetery Company
| features = Historic graves, sculpture, river views, Victorian landscape
| hours = 8 AM - 4:30 PM daily
| transit = SEPTA Regional Rail to East Falls; bus 32
| website = https://www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org
}}

'''Laurel Hill Cemetery''' is a 78-acre '''National Historic Landmark''' overlooking the [[Schuylkill River]] in [[East Falls]], one of America's first rural cemeteries and a masterpiece of Victorian landscape design. Founded in 1836, Laurel Hill pioneered the "rural cemetery movement" that influenced park design nationwide, serving as both a place of burial and a designed landscape for public enjoyment. The cemetery contains the graves of numerous notable Philadelphians and stunning 19th-century funerary art.<ref name="laurelhill">{{cite web |url=https://www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org |title=Laurel Hill Cemetery |publisher=Laurel Hill Cemetery Company |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

Laurel Hill is both an active cemetery and a public landscape, welcoming visitors to experience its history, art, and natural beauty.

== History ==

=== Rural Cemetery Movement ===

Laurel Hill emerged from a revolutionary idea:
* '''1836:''' Founded by John Jay Smith
* Response to overcrowded urban burial grounds
* Designed landscapes for the dead
* Open to the living for contemplation
* Predated public parks in most American cities

=== Design Philosophy ===

The "rural cemetery" concept:
* Naturalistic landscape design
* Winding paths through varied terrain
* Integration of architecture and nature
* Romantic era aesthetics
* Model for later public parks (including Central Park)

=== Influence ===

Laurel Hill influenced:
* Philadelphia's Fairmount Park (nearby)
* Cemetery design nationwide
* Public park movement
* Landscape architecture as profession

== Features ==

=== Landscape ===

'''Victorian landscape design:'''
* Dramatic Schuylkill River bluffs
* Winding carriage roads
* Mature trees and plantings
* Varied topography
* Scenic overlooks

=== Funerary Art ===

'''Exceptional monuments:'''
* Gothic Revival tombs
* Egyptian Revival structures
* Classical sculptures
* Elaborate Victorian markers
* Works by prominent sculptors

=== River Views ===

'''Spectacular overlooks:'''
* Schuylkill River valley
* Kelly Drive below
* Opposite bank vistas
* Seasonal foliage views

=== Notable Interments ===

Laurel Hill's notable '''permanent residents''' include:
* '''General George Meade''' — Gettysburg commander
* '''Commodore John Barry''' — Father of American Navy
* '''Thomas McKean''' — Signer of Declaration of Independence
* '''David Rittenhouse''' — Astronomer and inventor
* '''Sarah Josepha Hale''' — Editor, "Mary Had a Little Lamb" author
* '''Alexander Milne Calder''' — Sculptor (City Hall statues)
* Numerous Philadelphia civic and business leaders

=== Gatehouse ===

'''Gothic Revival entrance:'''
* Original 1836 gatehouse
* Visitor center
* Tour starting point
* Gift shop

== Visiting ==

=== Public Access ===

Laurel Hill welcomes visitors:
* Walking and strolling
* History exploration
* Photography (respectful)
* Guided tours
* Self-guided exploration

=== Hours ===

* Daily: 8 AM - 4:30 PM
* Extended hours for special events
* Free admission to grounds

=== Tours ===

'''Guided experiences:'''
* Walking tours (various themes)
* Twilight tours
* Special event tours
* Private group tours
* Annual events (Halloween, Memorial Day)

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' 3822 Ridge Avenue, East Falls

'''By Public Transit:'''
* SEPTA Regional Rail to East Falls Station
* SEPTA Bus 32, 61

'''By Car:'''
* Parking inside cemetery
* Enter from Ridge Avenue

=== Tips ===

* Pick up a map at the gatehouse
* The river overlooks are spectacular
* Respect the cemetery's primary purpose
* Guided tours enhance the experience
* Photography is welcome but be respectful
* The Halloween tours are popular—book ahead

== Programs ==

=== Tours ===

* History tours
* Architecture tours
* Notable residents tours
* Themed seasonal tours
* Private tours

=== Events ===

* '''Memorial Day ceremonies'''
* '''Halloween events''' (popular)
* '''Gravedigger tours'''
* Concerts and performances
* Educational programs

== Nearby ==

* '''[[East Falls]]''' — Surrounding neighborhood
* '''[[Kelly Drive]]''' — Below the cemetery
* '''[[Fairmount Park]]''' — Across the river
* '''[[Strawberry Mansion]]''' — Across river
* '''[[Wissahickon Valley Park]]''' — North

== See Also ==

* [[The Woodlands]]
* [[Mount Moriah Cemetery]]
* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[East Falls]]
* [[Kelly Drive]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org Laurel Hill Cemetery]
* [https://www.nps.gov/places/laurel-hill-cemetery.htm National Park Service - Laurel Hill]

{{#seo:
|title=Laurel Hill Cemetery Philadelphia - Historic Landmark & Victorian Landscape
|description=Guide to Laurel Hill Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark overlooking the Schuylkill River. Victorian funerary art, notable graves, tours, and scenic landscapes.
|keywords=Laurel Hill Cemetery Philadelphia, Philadelphia cemeteries, rural cemetery movement, Victorian cemetery, General Meade grave, Philadelphia historic sites, Schuylkill River views
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:East Falls]]
[[Category:Schuylkill River]]
[[Category:Cemeteries]]
[[Category:Architecture]]