Greenwood Cemetery

Can you feel the ghosts of Frankford whispering in the wind? We are standing before Greenwood Cemetery, a historic graveyard holding a profound connection to the Knights of Pythias fraternal order. This cemetery, sprawling over 43 acres, is a reminder of the past, a place where the stories of thousands are etched in stone. Greenwood Cemetery was established in 1869 on the estate of Commodore Stephen Decatur, Sr., a prominent figure in American naval history. The Knights of Pythias envisioned a grand cemetery, with rolling hills, lush greenery, and pathways that radiated outward like spokes on a wheel. The original plans even included a large gatehouse and an artificial lake. Sadly, these dreams were never realized, and the cemetery fell into disrepair over the years. The rear section became overgrown with vegetation, and abandoned cars and debris became a sad testament to neglect. In a rather unorthodox twist, in the late 20th century, the area became a dumping ground for industrial waste, leaving some graves under 20 feet of debris. But Greenwood Cemetery has found new life. In 2000, it became a Philadelphia Historical Commission designated site, and Greenwood Holdings has been tirelessly working to restore its grandeur. They’ve cleared the debris, righted headstones, and even relocated over 1,500 graves to create a parking lot for the adjacent Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Now, Greenwood Cemetery stands as a testament to resilience, a place where quiet contemplation and the stories of the past meet, each headstone whispered with their own unique tales.