Woodlawn Cemetery is one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in the United States

Woodlawn Cemetery, located in the Bronx, New York, opened in 1863 and sits on 400 acres of land. It was designed during the "rural cemetery" movement, when cemeteries were built as landscaped parks rather than straightforward burial grounds. The cemetery holds the remains of more than 600,000 people, including many prominent figures in American history, business, entertainment, and culture.

The cemetery operates as a non-profit organization and remains active today. It functions both as a burial ground and as a historical landmark that welcomes visitors. Many people visit Woodlawn to pay respects to family members, to tour the grounds, or to see the graves of notable individuals whose lives shaped American society.

Key Takeaways

  • Woodlawn Cemetery opened in 1863 in the Bronx and covers 400 acres with over 600,000 burials.
  • The cemetery was designed as a landscaped park following the rural cemetery movement of the 19th century.
  • Notable figures buried at Woodlawn include business leaders, artists, musicians, and political figures from American history.
  • The cemetery is open to visitors and maintains detailed records of burials and grave locations.

Notable people buried at Woodlawn Cemetery

Woodlawn holds graves of many individuals who left lasting marks on American culture and business. Jazz musician Duke Ellington, department store founder F.W. Woolworth, and author Herman Melville are among the well-known figures interred there. The cemetery also contains the graves of several mayors of New York City, business magnates, and artists whose work influenced American society.

The cemetery maintains a searchable database of burials, which allows visitors and researchers to locate specific graves. Many visitors come specifically to see the monuments and mausoleums of these notable individuals, which range from straightforward headstones to elaborate stone structures. The graves themselves often reflect the era in which they were built and the status of the person buried there.

The architecture and design of the grounds

Woodlawn was designed during a time when cemeteries were meant to be beautiful, peaceful spaces for both burial and reflection. The grounds feature winding paths, landscaped gardens, and water features that create a park-like setting. Many of the monuments and mausoleums on the grounds are examples of 19th and 20th century funerary architecture, ranging from classical styles to art deco designs.

The cemetery's layout was planned to guide visitors through different sections, each with its own character. Some areas feature elaborate family mausoleums, while others contain simpler grave markers. The natural landscape—including mature trees and open spaces—has been maintained as part of the cemetery's original vision.

How to visit Woodlawn Cemetery

Woodlawn Cemetery is open to the public during daylight hours. Visitors can enter on foot and walk the grounds freely. The cemetery is located at 2600 Central Avenue in the Bronx and is accessible by car and public transportation. Parking is available on the grounds.

If you are looking for a specific grave, you can contact the cemetery's office in advance or use their online burial records search. The staff can provide directions to particular sections or help you locate family members buried there. Many visitors find it helpful to plan their visit ahead of time, especially if they are traveling from a distance or want to visit multiple graves.

The cemetery's role in New York City history

Woodlawn Cemetery reflects the growth and development of New York City over the past 160 years. The graves and monuments tell the story of the city's business leaders, cultural figures, and ordinary residents who built the city into a major American metropolis. The cemetery has been a gathering place for families and a site of historical research for scholars studying 19th and 20th century American life.

The cemetery also serves as a record of changing burial practices and memorial styles. Early graves from the 1860s and 1870s differ markedly from those added in later decades, showing how attitudes toward death, remembrance, and monument design evolved over time. This makes Woodlawn a valuable resource for understanding American social and cultural history.

Records and genealogy research at Woodlawn

Woodlawn Cemetery maintains detailed burial records that span more than 150 years. These records include the names of the deceased, dates of burial, and grave locations. Researchers and family members can search these records to find information about ancestors or relatives buried at the cemetery.

The cemetery's records are useful for genealogy research and family history projects. If you are tracing your family tree or trying to locate where a relative was buried, Woodlawn's office can help you search their database. Some records are also available online, making it possible to search from home before visiting in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Woodlawn Cemetery on my own, or do I need a tour?

You can visit on your own during daylight hours without a tour. The cemetery is open to the public, and you can walk the grounds freely. However, guided tours are sometimes offered, and contacting the cemetery in advance can help you plan your visit and locate specific graves.

How do I learn about someone is buried at Woodlawn?

Woodlawn Cemetery maintains a searchable database of burials on their website. You can search by name to find burial records and grave locations. You can also contact the cemetery's office directly, and staff can help you search their records.

Is there a fee to visit Woodlawn Cemetery?

Visiting the grounds is free. There is no admission charge to walk the cemetery or view graves. Parking is also available at no cost to visitors.

What is the best time to visit Woodlawn Cemetery?

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and good visibility for walking the grounds. The cemetery is open year-round during daylight hours, so you can visit any time that works for your schedule. Visiting on a weekday may mean fewer crowds than on weekends.