Mount Greenwood Cemetery

The wind rustles through the tall oaks that stand like silent sentinels guarding the resting place of thousands. Welcome to Mount Greenwood Cemetery, a place where history unfolds beneath our feet, where stories whisper from headstones, and where the lives of ordinary people are woven into the tapestry of Chicago. It’s more than just a cemetery, it’s a reflection of the city’s growth and heritage. Imagine, nearly 60,000 graves dot this sprawling 79-acre landscape. Many of them date back to the Civil War, making Mount Greenwood Cemetery a living archive of the past. The sandy soil was ideal for digging, and the land was cheap at the edge of Chicago. That’s why the cemetery was established in 1879 and became a popular burial site for many Chicagoans. Its proximity to railroad and streetcar lines was another factor that made it easily accessible. The cemetery has been a family-owned and operated business since its inception. This is one of the reasons that Mount Greenwood Cemetery endures as a place of special significance for families in Chicago. Take a moment to walk among rows of headstones and discover names that are familiar to many Chicagoans. Some of these names are linked to schools in the southwest side of Chicago: Barnard, Clissold, Kellogg, Sutherland, and Vanderpoel. But one of the most famous people to rest here is the notorious Pony Bob who rode for the Pony Express. He transported Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural address 120 miles to help California decide whether to stay with the union. Today, Mount Greenwood Cemetery is a serene oasis within the vibrant city. It’s a reminder that life, though fleeting, leaves an enduring legacy. Enjoy your time here, and allow the stories of Mount Greenwood Cemetery to resonate with you.