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.

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

• Laurel Hill Cemetery
• Bartram's Garden
• West Philadelphia
• University City
• Schuylkill River

External Links

• The Woodlands
• National Park Service - The Woodlands