New York City, with its towering skyscrapers and vibrant neighborhoods, is often celebrated for its budding culture, bustling streets, and artistic expression. Yet, beneath this vivacity lies another narrative—a realm of contemplation located in the quietude of old cemeteries. These hallowed grounds serve as poignant reminders of the city’s layered history, offering not only a final resting place but also a glimpse into the past lives that shaped the present. This exploration of ten historic cemeteries scattered across various neighborhoods invites a shift in perspective, prompting curiosity about the lives once lived in this metropolis.
1. Green-Wood Cemetery
Address: 500 25th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Contact: (718) 768-7300
Website: green-wood.com
Established in 1838, Green-Wood Cemetery is a verdant oasis that extends over 478 acres. This National Historic Landmark is renowned for its spectacular Gothic Revival architecture and stunning landscape design. As you stroll through its paths, you may encounter the graves of notable figures such as Leonard Bernstein and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The cemetery hosts regular tours, lectures, and cultural events that encourage visitors to engage with its rich history.
2. Trinity Church Cemetery
Address: 89 Broadway, New York, NY 10006
Contact: (212) 602-0800
Website: trinitywallstreet.org
Tucked between the towering structures of Wall Street, Trinity Church Cemetery is not merely a burial ground but a testament to New York’s early history. Founded in 1697, this cemetery includes the final resting places of several signers of the Declaration of Independence. Its serene garden-like setting, complete with ancient oak trees and weathered headstones, encourages guests to pause and reflect on the past, making it a serene escape amidst the frenetic pace of the city.
3. Cypress Hills Cemetery
Address: 833 Jamaica Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11208
Contact: (718) 277-3000
Website: cypresshillscemetery.org
With its expansive grounds that span over 225 acres, Cypress Hills Cemetery, established in 1848, is the first rural cemetery in New York City. Its rolling hills and breathtaking views make it a pastoral retreat, while its historical significance is profound, being the final resting place for various prominent 19th-century individuals. The cemetery honors diversity, hosting graves of individuals from numerous cultures and faiths. Its vintage chapels and mausoleums add an aura of Gothic charm to the atmosphere.
4. The Woodlawn Cemetery
Address: 517 E 233rd St, Bronx, NY 10470
Contact: (718) 920-0500
Website: woodlawn.org
A Victorian jewel set amid tranquil gardens, Woodlawn Cemetery is a designated National Historic Landmark. Opened in 1863, it spans over 400 acres and is the final resting place of many luminaries, including Duke Ellington and Joseph Pulitzer. The cemetery features stunning mausoleums, elaborate sculptures, and impressive stonework, inviting exploration. An informal walk through this verdant space offers a narrative of the region’s illustrious past, accentuated by art and architecture.
5. Old Dutch Church and Burying Ground
Address: 460 Ft. Washington Ave, New York, NY 10033
Contact: (212) 568-4300
Website: olddutchchurchny.org
Located in the Inwood neighborhood, the Old Dutch Church and Burying Ground dates back to 1660, establishing it as one of the city’s oldest sites. The cemetery’s intimate grave markers tell the stories of early settlers from the Dutch colonial era. Amid the ancient trees, visitors can meander through this quaint setting, absorbing the tranquil peace that envelops history’s shadows.
6. The Evergreens Cemetery
Address: 1629 Brookdale Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11210
Contact: (718) 455-5300
Website: evergreenscemetery.org
Established in 1849, The Evergreens Cemetery boasts a remarkable 225 acres of lush greenery. Revered for its beautiful monuments and intricate mausoleums, this cemetery embodies a unique blend of nature and artistry. It provides a narrative of African American history, as it hosts a section of African American burials that stand as a testament to resilience and community. Seasonal events enrich visitors’ experiences, allowing them to engage with the living legacy of those interred.
7. St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery
Address: 131 East 10th St, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (212) 674-6377
Website: stmarksnyc.org
This evocative site, steeped in history and culture, houses the grave of Peter Stuyvesant, the last Dutch director-general of New Amsterdam. The cemetery, founded in 1660, is a notable reflection of the Bowery’s transition from countryside to urban sprawl. Its garden-like appeal combined with historic significance makes this cemetery an intriguing stop for those wishing to explore the intertwining histories of a rapidly evolving New York.
8. Mount Zion Cemetery
Address: 12-60 Myrtle Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385
Contact: (718) 417-2010
Website: mountzioncemetery.com
Mount Zion Cemetery is one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in New York, founded in 1892. It embodies the cultural tapestry of the city through the diverse Jewish communities that have historically resided in the area. The weathered gravestones, each with their Jewish inscriptions, tell poignant stories of heritage and memorialize the contributions of their inhabitants. This sacred ground is an invitation to understanding and honoring the past.
9. Fort Greene Park and Cemetery
Address: 85 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
Contact: (718) 398-4005
Website: fortgreenepark.org
Once a military fortification, Fort Greene Park is interwoven with layers of history and serves as a peaceful haven in Brooklyn. The cemetery, established in 1832, honors Revolutionary War soldiers and represents a crucial element of Brooklyn’s patriotic past. Visitors can meander through a harmonious blend of nature and history, while also enjoying recreational facilities nearby, underscoring the park’s community significance.
10. Columbaria of The Church of the Heavenly Rest
Address: 2 East 90th Street, New York, NY 10128
Contact: (212) 289-3400
Website: heavenlyrest.org
Last but not least, The Church of the Heavenly Rest offers an ethereal experience with its columbarium that houses the remains of the faithful. This historic site brings forth a modern take on memorialization. Visitors are invited to observe and engage with the intricacies of faith, community, and remembrance in a tranquil setting, encapsulating the spiritual legacy intertwined within the city’s fabric.
Exploring the historic cemeteries dispersed across New York City transcends mere sightseeing; it offers an opportunity to engage with the past and reflect on its impact on the present. Each cemetery, steeped in its own unique narrative, beckons discovery and introspection. Immerse yourself in these serene spaces, let your curiosity guide you, and witness how these stories of life resonate with the hustle and bustle of modern city life.
