Laurel Hill Cemetery
| Laurel Hill Cemetery | |
|---|---|
| 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 | Official Site |
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.[1]
Laurel Hill is both an active cemetery and a public landscape, welcoming visitors to experience its history, art, and natural beauty.
History
[edit | edit source]Rural Cemetery Movement
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Laurel Hill influenced:
- Philadelphia's Fairmount Park (nearby)
- Cemetery design nationwide
- Public park movement
- Landscape architecture as profession
Features
[edit | edit source]Landscape
[edit | edit source]Victorian landscape design:
- Dramatic Schuylkill River bluffs
- Winding carriage roads
- Mature trees and plantings
- Varied topography
- Scenic overlooks
Funerary Art
[edit | edit source]Exceptional monuments:
- Gothic Revival tombs
- Egyptian Revival structures
- Classical sculptures
- Elaborate Victorian markers
- Works by prominent sculptors
River Views
[edit | edit source]Spectacular overlooks:
- Schuylkill River valley
- Kelly Drive below
- Opposite bank vistas
- Seasonal foliage views
Notable Interments
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Gothic Revival entrance:
- Original 1836 gatehouse
- Visitor center
- Tour starting point
- Gift shop
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Public Access
[edit | edit source]Laurel Hill welcomes visitors:
- Walking and strolling
- History exploration
- Photography (respectful)
- Guided tours
- Self-guided exploration
Hours
[edit | edit source]- Daily: 8 AM - 4:30 PM
- Extended hours for special events
- Free admission to grounds
Tours
[edit | edit source]Guided experiences:
- Walking tours (various themes)
- Twilight tours
- Special event tours
- Private group tours
- Annual events (Halloween, Memorial Day)
Getting There
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]Tours
[edit | edit source]- History tours
- Architecture tours
- Notable residents tours
- Themed seasonal tours
- Private tours
Events
[edit | edit source]- Memorial Day ceremonies
- Halloween events (popular)
- Gravedigger tours
- Concerts and performances
- Educational programs
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- East Falls — Surrounding neighborhood
- Kelly Drive — Below the cemetery
- Fairmount Park — Across the river
- Strawberry Mansion — Across river
- Wissahickon Valley Park — North
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Laurel Hill Cemetery". Laurel Hill Cemetery Company. Retrieved December 30, 2025