Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to the controversial life of Jay Gould. Gould was a man who defined that very term.
This impressive structure is more than just a tomb. It’s a symbol of wealth, power, and a legacy shrouded in both admiration and disdain. Designed by H.Q. French, the Gould Family Mausoleum is reminiscent of the Parthenon. French was a New York architect. He designed many elegant tombs in the Classical Revival style. Little is known about French. He left behind beautiful architecture.
Completed in 1884, this Ionic peripteral temple is made of granite. Inside, you’ll find polished pink Tennessee marble. Critics at the time hailed it as the finest Grecian architecture in the country. The mausoleum stands as a grand display. It is located in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Jay Gould was a railroad tycoon and financier. He secured the largest circular plot in the entire cemetery. Then, he commissioned this imposing granite temple. The Gould Family Mausoleum became a showstopper, igniting a fervor for similar structures.
The Gould Family Mausoleum holds the remains of Jay Gould’s wife, Helen, who died in 1889. Also, several of their children are entombed here. All caskets reside in wall crypts. Interestingly, Jay Gould’s crypt is soldered closed.
Why the extra security? In 1876, A.J. Stewart’s body was stolen. Stewart was another millionaire. His remains were held for ransom. Mrs. Stewart paid an undisclosed amount for the return of her husband’s body. Embalming wasn’t an exact science in the 1870s. Some say Gould’s enemies on Wall Street had his casket sealed. They wanted to ensure he could never return to wreak havoc.
Gould’s life was complex. He rose from poverty to become a multi-millionaire. He was known for his ruthless business tactics. The London Times summed up Gould’s life. They declared, “All honor to the greatest money maker of any age or clime. He was less a man than a machine for churning wealth.”
After Gould’s death in 1892, his fortune was estimated at $77 million. It went to his heirs and charitable causes. The Gould Family Mausoleum remains a striking reminder of the Gilded Age. It reflects the ambition and excesses of the era.
Notice the huge weeping birch tree next to the Gould Family Mausoleum. It was designated one of the “113 Great Trees in New York City” in 1985.
ICR and ICC carried out exterior conservation. They removed soiling and biological growth. They also re-pointed joints at the roof and cornice. The entire structure was cleaned using a non-destructive micro-abrasive cleaning system.
Today, the Gould Family Mausoleum stands as a testament. It reflects a man who left an indelible mark on American history. Love him or hate him, Jay Gould’s legacy is etched in stone. It continues to fascinate visitors to this day.