Cannonballs and other Revolutionary War artifacts. That’s what workers found while preparing the land for Cypress Hills Cemetery. This discovery hints at the rich history that permeates every corner of this non-sectarian burial ground.
Cypress Hills Cemetery is located on the border of Brooklyn and Queens. It serves as the final resting place for over 400,000 individuals. Founded on November 21, 1848, Cypress Hills Cemetery opened to the public in 1851. The founders envisioned a rural cemetery. They were not interested in the cemeteries of yesterday.
They chose a site with wooded hills and dells. It also had secluded lakes and ponds. This would create privacy and tranquility. From this vantage point, you could see the ocean. You could also see the Long Island countryside. The distant blue hills of Connecticut were also visible.
Cypress Hills Cemetery spans 225 acres. It features two three-story mausoleums. These are Cypress Hills Abbey built in 1931 and Memorial Abbey built in 1936. These buildings retain their original features. These features include stained-glass windows and an immaculate chapel.
In 1852, New York City prohibited burials in Manhattan. Cypress Hills Cemetery donated plots to churches. These churches were closing their burial grounds in Manhattan. An estimated 35,000 remains were transferred to Cypress Hills Cemetery.
A portion of the cemetery became Cypress Hills National Cemetery in 1862. It served as a military burial ground for Civil War soldiers. Over 3,400 Union soldiers were buried here. There are also 478 Confederate soldiers. They died while prisoners of war.
In 1899, 139 soldiers from the Spanish-American War were re-interred. They came from Montauk Point. The cemetery also holds the remains of soldiers from other conflicts. These include the American Revolution, Korean, and Vietnam wars.
The National Cemetery is home to the remains of soldiers from the War of 1812. One notable internment is Hiram Cronk. Cronk was the last surviving member of the War of 1812.
Cypress Hills Cemetery faced mismanagement and controversy in the late 20th century. This led to bankruptcy. In 1998, a scandal revealed that a section was built on unstable landfill.
Despite its challenges, Cypress Hills Cemetery remains dedicated to its founders’ vision. It preserves the beauty and serenity of this historic site. As you wander through this landscape, remember the lives and stories etched into the stones. Cypress Hills Cemetery is a testament to the past. It offers a peaceful sanctuary for generations to come.