Calvary, Queens, NY
Though I have only been to Calvary Cemetery once, it is definitely a place I can see myself visiting again and again. With over 3 million interments, it is most populated cemetery in the country. Split up into four sections, Calvary spans over a couple of neighborhoods, roadways and highways. With its rolling hills and spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline (especially at sunset), it is definitely one of the more picturesque cemeteries I have visited.
In the mid 1800’s the land for Mount Calvary Cemetery was purchased by trustees of St. Patrick’s Cathedral as a solution to their increasingly problematic space shortage due to over development and disease which was taking many lives. Though you can find older graves in Calvary (probably private plots for families), the first official burial was of Esther Ennis in 1848. Calvary rapidly became a popular spot for burials and families of the deceased were often times digging the graves for their loved ones.
Cemeteries Visited
Sleepy Hollow, NY
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is another massive cemetery that you can most certainly lose yourself in. It’s very scenic and serene (and I have even spotted deer frolicking through the graves). Adjoining Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is another burial ground outside the Old Dutch Church. Here is where you’ll find some really old (most from the 1700’s) tombstones and it was also the setting of Washington Irving’s “Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. Washington Irving himself is buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery along with some other big names.
Green Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY
The moment I drove up to the massive Gothic Revival gates of Green Wood Cemetery I was already impressed. This cemetery is so beautiful with its architecture, statues, trees, hills and there is even a pond. It’s easy to lose track of time with everything to see and explore. You really forget that you are in Brooklyn because of the scenery at Green Wood.
There are also some interesting characters buried at Green Wood including Bill the Butcher, Boss Tweed, Lois Comfort Tiffany, along with many other athletes, politicians, inventors and actors. It’s fun to check out the list and then go searching.
