Laurel Hill Cemetery

Laurel Hill Cemetery is a historic cemetery located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. It was established in 1836 and is situated on a picturesque site overlooking the Schuylkill River. Laurel Hill Cemetery is renowned for its beautiful and serene landscape, as well as its rich history and notable burials.

The cemetery was designed as a rural garden cemetery, following the principles of the rural cemetery movement that emerged in the 19th century. It was one of the first cemeteries in the United States to be planned as a landscape rather than simply a burial ground. The picturesque setting and carefully designed landscape made it a popular destination for visitors, who would come to stroll through the grounds and appreciate the natural beauty.

Laurel Hill Cemetery is the final resting place for many prominent individuals, including politicians, artists, musicians, and military figures. Some notable burials at Laurel Hill Cemetery include:

Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a renowned polymath.
Henry D. Cogswell, a dentist and philanthropist known for his efforts in promoting the temperance movement.
Thomas McKean, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and former Governor of Pennsylvania.
Sarah Josepha Hale, an influential writer and editor, best known for writing the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and advocating for the establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday.
David Rittenhouse, an astronomer, inventor, and mathematician who served as the first director of the United States Mint.
General George Gordon Meade, a Union Army officer who commanded the Army of the Potomac during the American Civil War and led the Union to victory at the Battle of Gettysburg.
In addition to these notable individuals, the cemetery also contains many beautiful mausoleums, monuments, and sculptures, showcasing different architectural styles and artistic expressions.

Today, Laurel Hill Cemetery continues to serve as an active burial ground and a cultural landmark. It offers tours, events, and educational programs to the public, allowing visitors to explore its rich history and appreciate its natural and architectural beauty.

“Statesmen, Civil War generals, industrialist, inventors, and countless visionaries who shaped the histories of our city and nation rest soundly under Laurel Hill’s perpetual care.”

The photographs selected are some of my favorite of Cherubs and Angels, there are many more to come.

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Indian Ann
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