Laurel Hill Cemetery

Laurel Hill Cemetery was established in 1836. The cemetery was founded by John Jay Smith and his partners, Nathan Dunn, Benjamin W. Richards and Frederick Brown. Laurel Hill is not just a cemetery; it is a 78 acre land that consist of art, sculptures and history. In 1998, Laurel Hill was given the honor of becoming a historical land mark.

Due to industrialization and increase in population, the cities cemetery was becoming crowded and unsanitary. Smith and his partners were unhappy and wanted to build a cemetery beyong the cities limit. They wanted to establish a cemetery were they don't hold any religious affiliation. They also wanted to establish a scenic view that would incorporate art and nature into the visitors experience.

The scenic view and the atmosphere is a big part of the cemetery. In the early days, many of the visitors would travel using a steamboat to have picnics, walks and carriage rides with their loved ones. It has decrease throughout time but, to this day, many people still visit the cemetery to have picnics, as well as to exercise and to enjoy the sights.

Other than the scenic view, one of the most interesting fact about this cemetery is that there are many historic people who are buried here; which includes some local deceased, such as Rittenhouse, Widener, Elkins and the Strawbridge's. Passengers of the Titanic and civil war generals are also buried in Laurel Hill as well. Another interesting tidbit is that Edgar Allen Poe established residence about the same time when Laurel Hill was completely built and opened. Many people have speculations that Poe used this cemetery for inspiration while writing his stories.

Laurel Hill Cemetery does not have an entry fee. It is free for all visitors and guest are encouraged to visit this burial ground for educational purposes or for sightseeing. If visitors wish to, they can sign up for a private or a monthly tour. Visitors also have the option of using their cell phones as an audio tour.

Pictures taken by : Gj Scott and Sarah Virnig
Information from: www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org/index.php?flash=1

Fair Hil Burial Ground

Fair Hill Burial Ground is a beautiful five acre cemetery that was founded in 1703 by George Fox. This piece of land was given to George Fox and the Quakers as a gift from their founder William Penn. Being that this cemetery as a strong history of Quaker roots, there are mainly only Quakers buried at this location.

The early Quakers buried here were very important people for their time period. Alot of the people buried here were activists, women's right supporters, abolotionists, and people who wanted to make America a better place to live. Some of the more famous people who have been buried at Fair Hill Burial Grounds includes: Lucretia Mott, James Mott, Thomas and Mary Ann McClintokm, Sarah Pugh, Ann Preston, and Edward Parrish.

There are a few exceptions to only Quakers being buried at this cemetery, for example supporters of the Underground Railroad and key leaders in this secret organization have been buried at this location. The most famous supporter of this movement to be buried here is Robert Purvis and his family who was the president of the Underground Railroad.

Now a days at Fair Hill Burial Grounds it is run by the Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting and is continuially being restored to its former beauty. There are various days throughout the year that are set aside by this group to get volunteers to come together and take care of the cemetery and restore its essence.

Citations

Moore, Pamela. "Fair Hill Burial Ground." Philadelphia Meeting Quarterly. 01 Feb 2007. Web. 23 Feb 2010. http://www.pym.org/philadelphia-qm/entities.html

"Fair Hill Burial Ground." NNDB. 2009. NNDB, Web. 23 Feb 2010. http://www.nndb.com/cemetery/641/000208017/

Christ Church Burial Ground

On the corner of 5th and Arch Street, you can find the burial ground of five signers of The Declaration of Independence, including Benjamin Franklin. This burial ground is operated by Christ Church and was established in 1719 after the graveyard next to the church became too full. It is still open to the public today, for a small fee as you can see on this sign.

This sign is located near the front of the burial ground. It asks visitors to please be respectful of the over 4000 people who are buried here. This grave site is nearly 300 years old, which shows how delicate the tombstones really are. Another interesting fact about this burial ground is that a grave digger, John Taylor, who worked here for 50 years, was buried here in 1803.

Benjamin Franklin is the most decorated person buried at Christ Church Burial Ground. He is buried along side his wife and amongst many of his other family members.

Here is Benjamin Franklin’s tomb stone. His descendants requested that an opening be placed in the brick wall surrounding the burial ground so that the public could see Franklin’s gravesite day and night. A metal fence was then installed in front of his grave so this could be possible. Visitors of this site throw pennies on his stone to show their respect and remember his motto of “A penny saved is a penny earned”.

At the end of the metal fence, on the corner of the brick wall next to Franklin's tombstone, this plaque is placed in dedication to Benjamin Franklin. It features quotes from George Washington and other famous people of their time who wanted to pay their respects to one of the most influential men of our nation.

This plaque is also located on the fence by Franklin’s grave. It gives visitors directions to Christ Church, which is the home church to most of the people buried here.

Here is a picture of some of the other grave markers and the brick wall that surrounds the burial ground. As you can see, these markers are very old and weathered. Sarah Knowles' marker is the oldest marker left standing; it was placed into the ground in 1721.

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