Allegheny West in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Laurel Hill Cemetery
Established in 1836, Laurel Hill was a forerunner of America's rural cemetery movement, promising Philadelphia families a permanent, nonsectarian place of rest in a picturesque setting. Partnering founders, John Jay Smith, Nathan Dunn, Frederick Brown and Benjamin Richards fashioned it into a world-renowned arboretum and tourist attraction. Designer, John Notman, devised a landscape that was not only artful but also the first of its ind. Laurel Hill was America's original garden cemetery. Today, it is the first to be named a National Historic Landmark.
From war heroes to influential politicians and important inventors, from visionary artists to powerful industrialists, Laurel Hill is the final resting place of numerous notables who have shaped the storylines of our city and nation.
Since its founding, Laurel Hill has been as much a site of rest for the dead as that of recreation and retreat for the living. The Cemetery is open daily with free admission for educational and recreational use, and also offers a diverse selection of public programming. Proceeds raised support the preservation and interpretation of the site.
Visit Laurel Hill's Main Office, Gift Shop and Exhibit Space inside the Cemetery Gatehouse on Ridge Avenue, or call us at 215.228.8200. Visit Laurel Hill online at www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org.
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Erected by Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.
Location. 39° 59.997′ N, 75° 11.423′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Allegheny West. Marker is on Kelly Drive just north of West Hunting Park Avenue (County Road 3033), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3822 Kelly Drive, Philadelphia PA 19132, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Garden For The Dead (a few steps from this marker); A Retreat for the Living (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Laurel Hill Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Capt. Henry J. Biddle (within shouting distance of this marker); Benj. H. Hodgson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rear Admiral John Adolphus Bernard Dahlgren (approx. 0.2 miles away); Commercial Digital Computer Birthplace (approx. ¼ mile away); Hector Tyndale (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 30, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 46 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 30, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
