Woodlawn Cemetery (Bronx, New York)

Woodlawn Cemetery (Bronx, New York) is a 225-acre private cemetery located in the Bronx, New York. Established in 1851, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious cemeteries in the United States. Woodlawn Cemetery is notable for its stunning architecture, beautiful landscape, and historic significance, attracting visitors from around the world. The cemetery has been the final resting place for many famous and influential individuals, including Boss Tweed, William Kennedy Dickson, and Lillian Moller Gilbreth.

History

Woodlawn Cemetery was founded in 1851 by a group of investors who sought to create a rural cemetery in the style of Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. The cemetery's original 10 acres of land were purchased for $10,000, and it was designed by landscape architect Calvert Vaux and architect Jacob Wrey Mould. Woodlawn Cemetery quickly became a popular burial ground for wealthy and influential New Yorkers, including Andrew Carnegie, William Rockefeller, and Cornelius Vanderbilt II. Throughout its history, the cemetery has undergone several expansions, with the most significant addition being the 100-acre "New Burial Ground" in 1890.

Notable interments

Woodlawn Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable individuals, including politicians, artists, and business leaders. Some of the most famous interments include Boss Tweed, the notorious leader of Tammany Hall; William Kennedy Dickson, an early film pioneer and employee of Thomas Edison; and Lillian Moller Gilbreth, a pioneering engineer and architect. Other notable interments include John Jacob Astor IV, William S. Duryea, and James J. Jeffries. The cemetery is also home to the graves of several New York City mayors, including William Strong and George W. McAneny.

Architecture and landscape

Woodlawn Cemetery is renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful landscape. The cemetery's original design was influenced by the Picturesque movement, which emphasized the importance of natural scenery and landscape design. The cemetery features several notable landmarks, including the Tudor-style chapel and the Egyptian Revival-style mausoleum. The cemetery's landscape is characterized by rolling hills, wooded areas, and several ponds and lakes. Woodlawn Cemetery has been designated as a National Historic Landmark since 2016.

Administration and operations

Woodlawn Cemetery is operated by a private company, Woodlawn Cemetery (Bronx, New York) Corporation, which oversees the day-to-day management of the cemetery. The cemetery is staffed by a team of groundskeepers, administrators, and maintenance personnel. Woodlawn Cemetery offers a range of services, including traditional burials, cremations, and memorial services. The cemetery also provides support for families and individuals planning funerals and memorial services.

Cultural significance

Woodlawn Cemetery has played a significant role in American culture and history. The cemetery has been the subject of numerous films, literature, and art works, including the 2014 film Big Hero 6, which features a fictional cemetery inspired by Woodlawn. The cemetery has also been the site of several high-profile funerals and memorial services, including those of John Jacob Astor IV and James J. Jeffries. Woodlawn Cemetery continues to be an important cultural institution, attracting visitors from around the world who come to pay their respects to the famous and influential individuals buried there. Category: Cemeteries in the Bronx