365 Things to Do in Memphis #264: Stroll Through Elmwood Cemetery

365 Things to Do in Memphis #264: Stroll Through Elmwood Cemetery

Politicians, criminals, musicians, millionaires, formerly enslaved people, yellow fever victims, madams, civil rights leaders, writers, and preachers all rest here.

Much like Memphis as whole, Elmwood Cemetery's population has a little bit of everybody. 

Assignment #264 in the 365 Things to Do in Memphis is to visit the city's most impressive (and photogenic) final resting place.

angel statue guarding a gravesite at Elmwood Cemetery

Elmwood was founded in 1852 as part of the Rural Cemetery Movement. It’s almost more park than cemetery. There are hills and winding roads and plenty of trees that lean dramatically over ornate monuments of angels, flowers and logs.

 While Elmwood is impressive for the caliber of people that are buried there, the cemetery also has some amazing, unique monuments. 

While many of the headstones have some back story on them, none are quite as impressive as Chinoe Hart Smiths'. It reads: "She was in infancy sheltered in the log fort at Boonsboro, Ky. during the Indians attacks in one of which her father was killed in 1782." It's so detailed, but I'm left with so many questions.

metal archway over bridge into Elmwood

This is John Overton. He's kind of a big deal. I love that it looks like he's leaning out of a window, anticipating your visit.

John Overton, Memphis, Tenn.

For those looking to find him, writer and historian Shelby Foote's headstone is kind of tiny, but it's near the Forrest family plot. 

Shelby Foote headstone, Memphis, Tenn.

I saved my favorite monument for last. Not only do these people have the greatest last name ever, they've also got one of the most unique markers in the cemetery.

Surprise! Elmwood Cemetery, Memphis, Tenn.

Visiting Elmwood is free, but if it's your first time, I recommend dropping a few dollars for the guided audio tour. They host several events throughout the year, including a costumed twilight tour around Halloween.

Go There:

Elmwood Cemetery

824 S Dudley St
Memphis, TN 38104-6005
(901) 774-3212

 

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Lynn Edmonds
Visited a couple weeks ago...awesome place! Actually, we visited twice before heading back to Kentucky!
September 27, 2012 6:21pm
Tessa
Me and my girlfriend was just there today. The place is huge.
September 27, 2012 10:41pm
Len Pipkin
What literally astounds to no end isn't it's been operable since the nineteenth century, that it's a documented arboretum & avian sanctuary or that the cemetery itself has gone "Green"; it's that plots are still available for purchase by the public at-large. Amazing.
September 30, 2012 5:42am
Len Pipkin
What literally astounds to no end isn’t it’s been operable since the nineteenth century, that it’s a documented arboretum & avian sanctuary or that the cemetery itself has gone “Green”; it’s that plots are still available for purchase by the public at-large. Amazing.
September 30, 2012 5:52am