Famous Cemeteries of The United States

What are the most famous cemeteries in the United States? There are a lot of well-known cemeteries, so it’s hard to choose.

These famous U.S.A. cemeteries have the most interesting histories as well as some of the most spectacular funerary statuary anywhere. The US graveyard art and sculptures in these cemeteries are just amazing.

It’s also a great place to learn about American burial traditions.

Some are among the largest and oldest cemeteries in the United States.

The interred include titans of industry, celebrities, infamous characters and the average Joe.

These final resting places offer a peek into a country’s culture and past as well as cemetery symbolism in America.

Read on to learn about the most famous graves in American cemeteries.

What Are the Most Famous Cemeteries in the United States?

Woodlawn Cemetery, NY

Being one of the older cities in the U.S., New York City is home to many famous cemeteries.

Nestled in over 400 quiet acres in New York City’s borough of the Bronx,  Woodlawn Cemetery has elaborate mausoleums and has been declared a National Historic Landmark.

The Cemetery opened in 1863 during the Civil War and is notable for many reasons besides its impressive statuary. 

It is the only cemetery in the United States with a monument in memory of the Titanic and a great example of US cemeteries and monuments. 

This is one of the great resting places of US historical figures.

Its list of graves reads like a who’s who of political, business and artistic luminaries including, Fiorello LaGuardia, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Nellie Bly, Celia Cruz, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Irving Berlin and many more.

What truly distinguishes Woodlawn, however, is the multi-ethnicity that exists among its residents. 

Tombstones are crafted in Hindi, Chinese, Cyrillic, and Hebrew just to mention a few.  There are no ethnic “sections.”

The underground demographics in Woodlawn mirror multicultural New York City above ground.

*****

Trinity Church Cemetery, NY

Trinity Church Cemetery, one of the most famous cemeteries in the United States, opened in 1697 at what is today Wall Street and Broadway in lower Manhattan.  

It is really one of three cemeteries that all form part of Trinity Church Cemetery and a great place to absorb U.S. cemetery history.

One other is the cemetery in St. Paul’s Chapel, built in 1766, a short distance from the original Trinity Church Cemetery. 

The third is Trinity Uptown Cemetery, built in 1842 and located at 155th Street and Broadway. 

The last two cemeteries were created when they ran out of space in the original location.

Several notable U.S. statesmen like George Washington had private pews in the original Trinity church, and many famous people are buried in its churchyard. 

One of the most notable tombstones in the US is that of Alexander Hamilton’s burial site.

Hamilton was born out of wedlock in the Caribbean. Orphaned as a child, he immigrated to New York City in search of an education. 

From these humble beginnings, he became a lawyer, congressman,  founding father of the Republic,  Secretary of the Treasury in George Washington’s first cabinet and founder of the Bank of New York.

He was also instrumental in helping end slavery.  Talk about your immigrant success stories!

This fascinating character was killed in a duel by the then Vice President, Aaron Burr. And we thought today’s politics were contentious! 

A surprising and incongruous fact is that today Alexander Hamilton is the subject of one of the most successful Broadway musicals ever.

Visitors to Alexander Hamilton’s tomb leave coins in remembrance of his influence on the country’s fledgling economy.

One of the most historic cemeteries in the United States, the Trinity Uptown Cemetery was built in 1842 on a large stretch of land purchased from American naturalist John James Audubon who is buried in the churchyard. 

It is also the final resting place of three New York City mayors including Edward Koch, deceased in 2013.

Another notable buried there is John Jacob Astor, America’s first millionaire.

 It is rumored that on his deathbed, when asked if he had any final words Astor’s answer was, “I regret I didn’t buy more New York City real estate.”

The Trinity Uptown Cemetery is the only remaining active cemetery in Manhattan.

Want to know more about Alexander Hamilton?  Click here.

Read Next: Where to stay in New York City based onwhat you want to see and do.

*****

Green-Wood Cemetery, NY

Before New York had Central Park in Manhattan and Prospect Park in Brooklyn, they had Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. 

This is where people went to get away from the bustling city and enjoy peaceful greenery. 

It may seem odd today that people would picnic and stroll among the graves but that’s what they did.

Completed in 1838, the cemetery is almost 500 acres of undulating hills overlooking the iconic Manhattan skyline. 

It is laid out nicely with easy-to-understand directions for finding notable graves, lakes and over 173 different species of trees.

Many of the graves have fascinating backstories.

One such tale is that of Charlotte Canda, a 17-year-old who died in a carriage accident returning from a party for her 17th birthday on February 3, 1845.

Her devastated father built a monument that would have cost almost 1 million in today’s dollars.

It was 17 feet tall, 17 feet wide with 17 decorative roses to commemorate her age.

Her fiancé committed suicide in his grief over Charlotte’s death and is buried nearby. 

Charlotte’s tomb at Green Wood was one of the most visited destinations in New York in the mid-1800s.

Greenwood is also known for eclectic funerary designs such as the pyramid-shaped tombstone of the Parson family.

In the early 1900s, Egyptian designs were popular mainly due to the discovery of King Tut’s tomb. The Parson’s grave is a notable example.

Another highlight – if you can call it that – are the catacombs built under the cemetery.

This is the final resting place of Ward McAllister, arbiter of New York society along with Mrs. Astor.

There is also a catacomb in the Old Saint Patrick’s Basilica in Lower Manhattan, one of the most interesting and underrated attractions to visit in New York City.

Looking for the ideal, affordable place to stay in New York City based on what you want to see and do? Check out the definitive guide of New York City hotels by neighborhood. 

*****

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery, CA

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is like no other in the world in that here is where you’ll find many famous grave sites and American graveyard culture.

Located in the middle of Hollywood, CA, right next door to Paramount Studios, it has become the final resting place for many Hollywood elite.

Some notables include Judy Garland, also known as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, and Johnny & Dee Dee Ramone of the punk band The Ramones.

One of the most interesting times to visit the cemetery is during a Cinespia event.

One of the empty lawns is converted into an outdoor movie theater allowing you to watch a Hollywood classic under the stars.

They provide a full bar during the movie but you are also welcome to bring in your own alcohol and snacks.

*****

St. Louis Cemetery #1, LA

New Orleans is known for its above-ground graves and cemeteries.  No visit to New Orleans would be complete without a tour of the city’s famous cemeteries.

These are particularly interesting because, due to the swampy nature of the ground in New Orleans, the graves are actually built above ground.

This gives the impression of a small city of graves. Hence why they are often called the “Cities of the Dead.”

It is said to be one of the most haunted cemeteries in America and this is where great ghost stories from US cemeteries come from.

There are many famous people buried in New Orleans in the cemeteries scattered about the city.

The most famous of the cemeteries in New Orleans and the most popular one to visit is the St. Louis Cemetery #1.

It has been in operation since 1789 and is one of the most iconic graveyards in America.

This was made famous by the movie Easy Rider in the Sixties and has a number of famous people buried there, including infamous voodoo priestess Marie Laveau.

Other famous graves include that of Nicolas Cage.

In anticipation of his eventual demise, the Hollywood actor has a grave here, a large pyramid-shaped tomb, which will be his future resting place!

Note that the cemetery can only be visited as part of a guided tour, with part of the tour fee going to the upkeep of the museum.

It’s important you book a tour with a licensed operator who has permission to visit the cemetery, as unlicensed guides won’t be allowed in.

For more ideas on what to do in New Orleans, see our New Orleans guide here.

*****

Granary Burying Ground, MA

A few streets from Boston’s State House, on Tremont Street,  you will find the Granary Burying Ground, one of the most iconic and fascinating cemeteries in the United States.

The Granary Burying Ground is one of the United States’ most significant cemeteries from a historical perspective.

The cemetery was founded in 1660! In fact, it is Boston’s third-oldest cemetery.

That means that some of the original settlers in Boston could have been buried there.

The people that ARE buried here include three signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Also present is Paul Revere who, with his trusty steed, rode through the nascent colony at night warning the settlers that the British were coming, thereby positively influencing the turn of the Revolutionary War.

The cemetery is also the site of the Franklin family mausoleum, although Benjamin Franklin is not buried here.

He is in Philadelphia, a city he loved where he founded the University of Pennsylvania.

*****

Bonaventure Cemetery, GA

About 20 minutes from the center of Savannah is Bonaventure Cemetery, on the grounds of what was once a plantation.

This cemetery was made famous by the novel-turned-movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” by John Berendt.

The book tells the story of a local antique dealer who kills a young man, goes to trial and is eventually acquitted.

The book and movie are worth exploring to set the mood for visiting Bonaventure Cemetery.

The cemetery itself is not large but the grounds are beautiful, and it does have a nice collection of interesting monuments.

A popular one is “Grace” the pretty little 6-year-old who died young and whose charm inspired the sculptor to create her life-size statue.

It is worth wandering the tombs under the large live-oak trees covered in Spanish moss.

As is the case in most cemeteries, if you read the tombstones you get a mini-history lesson of the area.

One statue you won’t find here is the “Bird Girl.” That is the symbol of the cemetery and the picture on the cover of the book by John Berendt.

After the popularity of the movie and book in 1994, tourists began to flock to Bonaventure to see the statue.

Fearing the statue might be damaged, the city of Savannah moved it to the local Jepsen Center for the Arts to protect it.

There is a sign on the museum’s door that says, “She is here!” along with a picture of the statue.

*****

Arlington National Cemetery, DC

Arlington National Cemetery is amazing. It is so vast and huge that you definitely need a tour guide and US military tours are offered.

This is one of the most important national cemeteries and US military cemeteries in the US.

From the highest point of the cemetery, you can see over the Potomac River, and see the back of Lincoln’s Memorial.

You can also see Arlington House, a memorial to Robert E. Lee, and within a few steps, the Kennedy family grave site.

Don’t miss the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier site.

It goes every hour on the hour and is one of the most solemn ceremonies I’ve ever witnessed.

This is definitely one of the most touching cemeteries in the United States.

*****

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and the Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, NY

The Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow is a stone church dating from the late 1600s with an accompanying 5-acre cemetery. 

The older tombstones are perfect examples of the the contemporary art along with stone designs and epithets.

The cemetery is the site of one of Washington Irving’s most popular literary works, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” where Ichabad Crane wanders the cemetery at night looking for his detached head.

Sleepy Hollow cemetery lies adjacent to the Old Dutch Church churchyard.  The combined cemeteries are fascinating.

Sleepy Hollow is situated on about 90 acres of rolling hills dotted with tombstones and mausoleums. 

Completed in 1849, the cemetery is the burial place of a wide collection of disparate characters.

Arguably one of the most famous “residents” is Washington Irving himself who requested that the cemetery be renamed “Sleepy Hollow.”

The other creepy legend in Sleepy Hollow is the “Bronze Lady.” This is the bronze statue of a woman sitting in front of the mausoleum of Civil War General Samuel Thomson. 

The woman is said to roam the cemetery at night lamenting the death of the general.

The rumor is, if you touch her either something very good or very bad will happen to you.

I considered touching her but decided against it. Would YOU have touched her?

Other notable burials include cosmetics businesswoman, Elizabeth Arden, many Astors, Rockefellers, Hamiltons and Walter Chrysler, who commissioned the Chrysler Building.

The backstories of some of the burials are part of what makes this such an interesting cemetery. 

For example, hotel magnate Leona Helmsley moved her husband Harry’s burial place from Greenwood to Sleepy Hollow.

The new resting place is an elegant mausoleum decorated with stained glass designs of the New York City skyline worth several million dollars.

Scottish industrialist, Andrew Carnegie, one of the richest men of all time is buried under a simple Celtic cross in stark contrast to his contemporaries who are buried in massive structures.

*****

Calvary Cemetery, Queens, NY

Calvary is one of the biggest cemeteries in the United States in terms of number of people buried there.

At 3 million burials on 365 acres, it is one of the most densely populated cemeteries anywhere.

Tombs and tombstones with dozens of family members are common at Calvary.

The reason is that many burials were financed by memberships in guilds or union organizations so many burials in one plot reduced the burial cost for all.

It is amazing to look around and see the thousands of tombstones stretching out into the distance.

Much like other New York cemeteries like Woodlawn and Green-Wood, Calvary was created as a result of the 1847 New York City law that prohibited burials on the island of Manhattan.

Even though the cemetery was consecrated in 1848, there are tombs dating back to the 1700s when there was a private cemetery there.

The Catholic cemetery reflects New York City’s immigration patterns with a large portion of the earlier -mid-1800s- tombs belonging to the Irish community that that was so populous at the time. 

The next largest group is the Italians appearing a few decades later.

Interspersed among the tombs are a few Polish burials. Hispanic names begin to appear with more contemporary dates.

Calvary is a chronological map of New York City’s immigration.  Next to Calvary is Mount Zion Jewish Cemetery.

The combination of the two cemeteries makes for an enormous necropolis.

Notable burials in Calvary include New York City mayors, other politicians, organized crime figures and, true to NYC’s immigrant legacy, the tomb of Annie Moore, the first immigrant to come through the gates of Ellis Island.

*****

Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, CA

Forest Lawn in Glendade, California is one of the cemeteries where you find the most celebrities buried.

It’s certainly one of the most famous cemeteries in the United States because of its residents.

Famous residents of this, one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the United States include Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, Walt Disney, Elizabeth Taylor, Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds and Nat King Cole.

American comedian W.C. Fields is also buried here and, contrary to popular belief, his tombstone does not read “At least I’m not in Philadelphia.” 

That’s an urban legend that grew out of Fields’s joking about the sophistication, or lack thereof, of his hometown.

*****

Gold Rush Cemetery, Skagway, Alaska

This little cemetery deep in the wilds of Alaska in the gold rush town of Skagway tells the story of the prospectors who were lured to America’s final frontier in search of riches.

Some indeed struck gold, other died in the attempt. Most of the tombstones date from the late 1800s – early 1900s. 

It is interesting to note that there are many babies buried here, a testament to the hard ships and precarious life spans of these intrepid adventurers.

It is quite an hour’s hike to get to the cemetery from the town, but a pleasant one. 

Alternatively, join a tour in the town of Skagway and ride a bus to the cemetery.

There is a little waterfall nearby which is a pleasant place for a picnic.

*****

The Cemeteries of Queens, NY

The cemeteries of Queens, one of the five boroughs of New York City, may not be famous, but they are unique in one special characteristic. 

They reflect the ethnic and cultural diversity of the area they are located in, Queens.

The borough of Queens, especially in Flushing where the #7 train traverses, is one of the most ethnically diverse places on earth.

Almost 50% of its inhabitants are foreign-born.

Over 180 languages are spoken in the city, from common languages like Spanish and Russian to obscure Southeast Asian dialects.

Almost 60% of inhabitants speak a language other than English at home, and the rich culinary traditions found in the city’s streets are a foodie’s paradise.

Just as the city’s diverse residents coexisted peacefully in life, so too did they rest in close proximity to each other in the local cemeteries.

Examples of these cemeteries include Maple Grove and Saint Mary’s. You will find tombstones in numerous languages, including Hindi, Chinese, Russian and Spanish to mention a few.  All next to each other.

And in their midst, the Statue of Liberty, a fitting symbol of the city that welcomed them in life and now welcomes them in death, once and forever, New Yorkers.

*****

New York Marble Cemetery, NYC

Billing itself a small cemetery in a big city, the New York Marble Cemetery is a beautiful place to visit.

The cemetery was established in 1831 and is the first non-sectarian burial ground open to the public.

Located off 2^nd Avenue between 2^nd and 3^rd streets, the cemetery is a narrow piece of land in the middle of one of Manhattan’s most interesting neighborhoods, and can be easy to miss.

According to the cemetery’s information, in response to fears about yellow fever outbreaks, recent legislation had outlawed earth graves, so marble vaults the size of small rooms were built ten feet underground in the excavated interior of the block bounded by Second Avenue, Second Street, Third Street, and the Bowery.

Access to the 156 family vaults was by the removal of stone slabs set below the grade of the lawn.

Vaults are in pairs; there are no catacombs or passages connecting them.

Markers were never placed on the ground; instead, marble plaques set into the Cemetery’s long north and south walls give the names of the families interred nearby.”

The cemetery is accessed through an alley off 2nd Avenue. The alley opens to a large patch of land in the middle of the bustling city.

The plaques are embedded in the walls surrounding the open space.

It is easy to leave the bustling metropolis outside and enjoy the quiet of this lovely space.

No longer used as a burial place, the cemetery is rented for corporate events and special occasions.

*****

Old Saint Patrick’s Basilica, NYC

Saint Patrick’s Basilica, also known as Old Saint Patrick’s, was built in 1809 and is not to be confused with the Saint Patrick’s on Fifth Avenue.

It is one of the most underrated attractions of New York City and certainly one of its famous cemeteries.  

NYC’s population was growing towards the north in the mid-1800s.

The Saint Patrick’s Cathedral we’re familiar with today went along with that growth and work was completed on the cathedral in 1879. 

But the first St. Patrick’s Basilica was never demolished. In fact, it continues to flourish today in its original location.

More surprising still are the underground corridors and tombs beneath the old basilica and the New York celebrities entombed there.

Delmonico, the inventor of the modern restaurant concept is just one of the fascinating characters in the underground catacombs.

The guides are very knowledgeable about New York City’s history and help to make this a unique visit.

Inside visitors get to and walk among the crypts, read the inscriptions, and learn the history of many tombs.

*****

Charlotte Jane Memorial Park Cemetery, Coconut Grove, Fl

One of the most famous cemeteries in Florida is the bucolic Charlotte Jane Memorial Park Cemetery in Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida.

Bahamians of African descent emigrated to Coconut Grove in the late 1800s establishing one of the oldest neighborhoods in Florida.

Evangelist Street became the cultural and commercial center of the thriving community. Today, the neighborhood continues to thrive.

Evangelist Street contains the above-ground Charlotte Jane Cemetery where many of the original settlers are buried. Some of the tombs are painted bright gold.

The cemetery is still in use today and flowers continue to decorate the graves of the settlers’ descendants.

Graceland, TN

Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee is the mansion home of Elvis Presley. It has been turned into a museum of Elvis memorabilia.

Elvis Presley is buried on the grounds and the entire property is a top tourist attraction.

Perhaps Graceland in Memphis Tennessee is not a historic cemetery but it certainly is a famous cemetery as the final resting place and famous grave of Elvis Presley.

Elvis is buried in Graceland along with his parents Gladys and Vernon Presley, his paternal grandmother, Minnie Mae Presley, his daughter Lisa Marie and Lisa Marie’s son Benjamin Keough. Elvis’ twin brother, Jessie is buried in Tupelo, Mississippi but there is a grave marker in Graceland.

Key West Cemetery, Key West, Florida

October 11, 1846 saw one of the most devastating hurricanes in Key West history.

It was so bad that the beachside cemetery was torn up.

As a result, the Key West Cemetery was created 16 feet above sea level. Today is houses about 100.000 souls.

This cemetery is notable for its quiet beauty. Its most notable feature is the sense of humor of many of its “residents” as evidenced by the comments on their tombstones.

The tomb of B. P. Roberts states: “I’m just resting my eyes.” Not to be outdone, Gloria Russell’s epitaph says, “I told you I was sick.”

Where to stay in Key West.

*****

The most famous cemeteries in the United States are all unique and special in their own way.  Did we miss one? Which one would you add?

Want to know more about these famous cemeteries of the United States; these fascinating cities of the dead? Don’t miss these little literary gems.

Do you enjoy visiting cemeteries as a way to learn about a country’s past?  Want to learn about cemeteries in other parts of the world? Try Latin American cemeteries.

For a complete collection of stunning, unusual or famous cemeteries, check out cemeteries around the world you must see.

Updated September 2024. 

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