Imagine headstones adorned with poppy flowers. These symbolize blissful sleep at Mount Auburn Cemetery.
Mount Auburn Cemetery stands as America’s first rural cemetery. It is a garden cemetery located in Cambridge and Watertown Massachusetts. This serene space marks a shift from old graveyards. Those graveyards often had a harsh view of death.
Dedicated in 1831 Mount Auburn Cemetery spans 174 acres. Its rolling landscape features classical monuments. The term “cemetery” gained popularity. It comes from the Greek word for a sleeping place. This reflects a softer view of death.
Mount Auburn Cemetery is significant historically. It also serves as an arboretum. Watertown’s largest open space extends into Cambridge. Mount Auburn is next to the Cambridge City Cemetery. It is also near the Sand Banks Cemetery. The cemetery earned National Historic Landmark District status in 2003. This was due to its pioneering role in 19th-century cemetery design.
Originally the land was called Stone’s Farm. Locals knew it as “Sweet Auburn”. This came from Oliver Goldsmith’s 1770 poem “The Deserted Village”. Mount Auburn Cemetery drew inspiration from Pére Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. It then inspired others like Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. Henry Alexander Scammell Dearborn designed much of Mount Auburn. Jacob Bigelow and Alexander Wadsworth assisted him.
Bigelow conceived of Mount Auburn as early as 1825. A site was not secured for five years. Bigelow a medical doctor worried about unhealthy church burials. He also feared running out of burial space. The Massachusetts Horticultural Society helped found Mount Auburn Cemetery. They used 70 acres authorized by the Massachusetts Legislature. It was meant to be a garden or rural cemetery.
The land initially cost $6000. It later expanded to 170 acres. The main gate was built in the Egyptian Revival style. It cost US$10000. Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story was the first president of the Mount Auburn Association. He dedicated the cemetery in 1831. His dedication address on September 24 1831 set a model for future addresses. Garry Wills considers it a precursor to Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
Mount Auburn Cemetery is considered the beginning of the American public parks movement. It influenced other cemeteries. These include Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia and Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor Maine.
Mount Auburn was founded during a time of sentimental interest in rural cemeteries. It remains known for its peaceful atmosphere. It is also known for its acceptance of death. Traditional monuments often feature poppy flowers. These symbolize restful sleep. An early guide “Picturesque Pocket Companion” described notable monuments. It also featured writings about death.
The cemetery developers regulated the grounds carefully. They removed “offensive” monuments. Only plot owners could have vehicles on the grounds. They also had access on Sundays and holidays. Mount Auburn differed from older cemeteries. It was open to the public and not tied to specific religions. This mirrored Boston’s growing religious diversity.
By the 1840s Mount Auburn was a top tourist destination. It was mentioned along with Niagara Falls and Mount Vernon. Emily Dickinson wrote about her visit to Mount Auburn in 1846. In 1848 alone 60000 people visited the cemetery.
Three notable buildings stand within Mount Auburn Cemetery. Bigelow designed Washington Tower completed in 1854. This 62-foot tower offers great views. Bigelow Chapel was built in the 1840s. It was rebuilt in the 1850s. Willard Sears renovated it in 1899. This added a crematorium. Stained-glass windows by Allan & Ballantyne were preserved.
In 1870 cemetery trustees bought land across Mount Auburn Street. They built a reception house. The Story Chapel and Administration Building replaced it in the 1890s. Nathaniel J Bradlee designed the first reception house. Willard Sears designed the second building in “English Perpendicular Style”. Allen & Collens redecorated the chapel in 1929.
Over 93000 people are buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery as of 2003. Many significant people are interred here. This includes Boston Brahmins and Harvard affiliates. The cemetery is non-denominational. It continues to offer new plots. The area is known for its beauty. It is a favorite spot for bird watchers. Over 220 bird species have been seen here since 1958. Guided tours highlight the cemetery’s history art and horticulture.
Mount Auburn’s tree collection includes nearly 700 species. Thousands of shrubs and plants fill the landscape. Landscaping styles range from Victorian to contemporary. Many plants are labeled with their scientific names.
Mount Auburn Cemetery offers a tranquil escape. It blends history nature and art. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty. Reflect on the lives and legacies found here.