City of Norfolk Cemeteries , Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Cedar Grove Cemetery
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, July 1, 2018
1. Cedar Grove Cemetery Marker.
Inscription.
Cedar Grove Cemetery. . Cedar Grove was Norfolk’s first public cemetery, established in January 1825 after a Borough ordinance aimed at curbing yellow fever decreed that the “burying of the dead in lots lying on public and populous streets is ... injurious to the health of its citizens.” In 1826, 20 acres south of Potters Field were set aside for a new Burying Ground, laid out according to a plan by Thomas Williamson. Williamson’s design included a pavilion in the center of the cemetery, though there is no evidence that this was ever built., Ornamentation in Cedar Grove is simple but poignant – flowers with broken stems, weeping willows, hands holding crowns or pointing to heaven, children in the arms of angels. Many were carved by Scotsman Robert Dalrymple, who died of yellow fever in 1855 and is buried in nearby Elmwood Cemetery. The beehive-style tombs are of special interest. Because they extend deep into the ground, they deceive the eye. When the Addington tomb was opened for repairs in 1993, the remains of 18 family members were found inside.
Cedar Grove was Norfolk’s first public cemetery, established in January 1825 after a Borough ordinance aimed at curbing yellow fever decreed that the “burying of the dead in lots lying on public and populous streets is ... injurious to the health of its citizens.” In 1826, 20 acres south of Potters Field were set aside for a new Burying Ground, laid out according to a plan by Thomas Williamson. Williamson’s design included a pavilion in the center of the cemetery, though there is no evidence that this was ever built.
Ornamentation in Cedar Grove is simple but poignant – flowers with broken stems, weeping willows, hands holding crowns or pointing to heaven, children in the arms of angels. Many were carved by Scotsman Robert Dalrymple, who died of yellow fever in 1855 and is buried in nearby Elmwood Cemetery. The beehive-style tombs are of special interest. Because they extend deep into the ground, they deceive the eye. When the Addington tomb was opened for repairs in 1993, the remains of 18 family members were found inside.
Erected by City of Norfolk.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1825.
Location. 36° 51.544′ N, 76° 16.882′ W. Marker is in Norfolk
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, Virginia. It is in City of Norfolk Cemeteries. Marker is on East Princess Anne Road west of Smith Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 238 E Princess Anne Rd, Norfolk VA 23510, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. Cedar Grove Cemetery marker, looking west along E. Princess Anne Road.
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, July 1, 2018
3. Cedar Grove Cemetery marker, looking east along E. Princess Anne Road.
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, July 1, 2018
4. Cedar Grove Cemetery entrance and sign.
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, July 1, 2018
5. Exhibit A: Detail of the burying ground
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, July 1, 2018
6. Exhibit B: Detail of other illustrations on the marker.
The caption under the photo reads: “J.C. Addington family vault. ca.1835, restored 1993. “Beehive” Vault.” Note the advertisement: R. Dalrymple. Stone and Marble Cutter. E. Widewater Street, Norfolk, VA. Marble and Granite work of every description executed to order. Its caption reads: “Robert Dalrymple ad in the 1851-52 city directory.”
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2018, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia. This page has been viewed 306 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 5, 2018, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.