Woodward Hill Cemetery

Woodward Hill Cemetery
source
Name	Woodward Hill Cemetery
Established	1851
Country	United States
Location	Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Type	Public
Owner	City of Lancaster
Size	22 acre

Woodward Hill Cemetery is a historic rural cemetery located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Established in the mid-19th century, it is the final resting place for many prominent figures from the region's history, including a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The cemetery's picturesque landscape, designed in the garden cemetery style, features winding paths, mature trees, and notable funerary art, making it a significant example of 19th-century American cemetery design and a repository of local history.

History

The cemetery was founded in 1851, a period when the rural cemetery movement was transforming burial practices across the United States. It was created to alleviate overcrowding at older churchyards in downtown Lancaster, such as those at St. James Episcopal Church. The land was originally part of a farm owned by the Buchanan family, and its design was influenced by iconic early examples like Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Throughout the American Civil War, the cemetery became the burial site for soldiers from Pennsylvania who died at nearby military hospitals, including Camp Curtin. The cemetery's expansion and management have been overseen by the City of Lancaster for over a century, with its care reflecting evolving attitudes towards public green space and historic preservation.

Notable interments

The cemetery contains the graves of numerous individuals significant to Pennsylvania and national history. The most prominent is James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States, who is interred alongside members of his family. Another key figure is George Ross, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a delegate to the Second Continental Congress. Other notable burials include Thaddeus Stevens, the influential Radical Republican congressman known for his staunch opposition to slavery during the American Civil War and his role in the Reconstruction era. The cemetery also holds the remains of veterans from multiple conflicts, including the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Spanish–American War, as well as numerous local industrialists, politicians, and civic leaders from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Location and layout

Situated on the southern edge of the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the cemetery encompasses approximately 22 acres of rolling terrain. Its design is characteristic of the garden cemetery aesthetic, with serpentine roadways, ornamental plantings, and curated vistas intended for both contemplation and recreation. The main entrance is marked by a historic gatehouse, and the grounds are divided into sections that include family lots, single graves, and a dedicated soldiers' plot. The topography slopes toward the Conestoga River, providing scenic views that were an intentional part of its 19th-century design philosophy, aligning with principles seen at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.

Monuments and memorials

The cemetery is noted for its collection of funerary art and memorials spanning various architectural styles, including Gothic Revival, Neoclassical, and Victorian. The most visited monument is the tall, ornate obelisk marking the grave of James Buchanan in the President's Circle. A significant memorial is the Soldiers' Monument, erected to honor local Union soldiers who died in the American Civil War. Other notable markers include the elaborate mausoleum of the Steinman family, prominent newspaper publishers of the Lancaster New Era, and the simple, austere grave marker of Thaddeus Stevens, which has become a site of historical reflection. The variety of sculptures, from draped urns to carved lambs, reflects the changing tastes and mourning customs of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Cultural significance

Beyond its primary function, it serves as an important historical archive and green space within the urban fabric of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its architectural and historical value. The cemetery is a destination for historians, genealogists, and tourists, particularly those interested in the life of James Buchanan or the political legacy of Thaddeus Stevens. It also functions as an arboretum, with a documented collection of mature tree species. Annual events, including historical tours around Memorial Day, highlight its role in community memory, connecting the public with the narratives of the American Civil War, Industrial Revolution, and the development of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Category:Cemeteries in Pennsylvania Category:National Register of Historic Places in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Category:1851 establishments in Pennsylvania