Burkittsville in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Gath's Empty Tomb
Photographed By Don Morfe, January 7, 2012
1. Gath's Empty Tomb Marker
Inscription.
Gath's Empty Tomb. . During the 19th century few people bought burial lots in public cemeteries as we do today. Instead, a small parcel of their own land was usually set aside as a private cemetery. If enough money was available, a mausoleum (tomb) was often built for certain family members.
Gath, concerned with his own burial, built this lonely tomb about 20 years before his death, which came on April 15, 1914, in New York City. By this time his great wealth had dwindled and the near penniless. Gath was buried in a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania cemetery instead of his own tomb as he had desired.
Gath’s empty tomb mutely symbolizes the uncertainties of Life, Fame and Fortune and the certainty of death.
During the 19th century few people bought burial lots in public cemeteries as we do today. Instead, a small parcel of their own land was usually set aside as a private cemetery. If enough money was available, a mausoleum (tomb) was often built for certain family members.
Gath, concerned with his own burial, built this lonely tomb about 20 years before his death, which came on April 15, 1914, in New York City. By this time his great wealth had dwindled and the near penniless. Gath was buried in a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania cemetery instead of his own tomb as he had desired.
Gath’s empty tomb mutely symbolizes the uncertainties of Life, Fame and Fortune and the certainty of death.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1792.
Location. 39° 24.294′ N, 77° 38.346′ W. Marker is in Burkittsville, Maryland, in Frederick County. Marker is at the intersection of Gapland Road and Arnoldstown Road on Gapland Road. The empty tomb is on the grounds of Gathland State Park near the Appalachian Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Burkittsville MD 21718, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,028 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 6, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.