Hollywood Cemetery | Richmond

Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, is a historically significant and beautifully landscaped garden cemetery that spans approximately 135 acres along a scenic bluff overlooking the James River. Established in 1847, it is considered one of the finest examples of a 19th-century rural garden cemetery in the United States. The cemetery is not only a burial ground but also an outdoor museum, a place of reflection, and a repository of Virginia’s rich history, art, and culture.

Historical Significance and Design

Hollywood Cemetery was designed by the Philadelphia architect John Notman, who was influential in the rural cemetery movement-a 19th-century trend that emphasized cemeteries as landscaped, park-like settings meant for public enjoyment as well as mourning. The cemetery’s rolling hills, winding paths, mature trees, and expansive views of the James River embody this philosophy, creating a tranquil and picturesque environment.

The site was chosen for its natural beauty and elevated position, which allows panoramic vistas of downtown Richmond, the river, and surrounding countryside. The combination of natural topography with carefully planned plantings, monuments, and mausoleums makes Hollywood Cemetery a masterpiece of landscape architecture.

Notable Interments and Memorials

Hollywood Cemetery holds the remains of many important historical figures, making it a place of national historical interest.

James Monroe Tomb: The cemetery is the final resting place of James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States. His tomb, often called “The Birdcage,” is a striking Gothic Revival structure built in 1859. Designed by Albert Lybrock, the tomb features a granite sarcophagus encased in an intricate cast-iron cage that resembles a birdcage, symbolizing the protection of Monroe’s legacy. This tomb was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971.

John Tyler: The tenth president of the United States, John Tyler, is also buried at Hollywood Cemetery, reinforcing the cemetery’s status as a resting place for American presidents.

Jefferson Davis Memorial: Hollywood Cemetery is also the burial site of Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War. His gravesite is marked by a prominent monument and remains a significant place for those interested in Civil War history.

Monument to Confederate War Dead: A central and imposing feature of the cemetery is the 90-foot tall granite pyramid memorial completed in 1869. This monument honors the more than 11,000 Confederate soldiers buried at Hollywood Cemetery and serves as a symbolic centerpiece, representing the cemetery’s role as the unofficial national cemetery for Confederate soldiers.

Landscape and Natural Features

Hollywood Cemetery’s landscape design blends natural terrain with artistic elements. Its broad lawns, mature oak and magnolia trees, and flowering shrubs create a serene atmosphere. The cemetery includes winding roads and paths that lead visitors through quiet groves, hilltops, and shaded valleys. Stone steps and bridges accentuate the topography, enhancing access and aesthetic appeal.

The location on a bluff provides sweeping views of the James River and the city skyline, which change with the seasons, adding to the contemplative experience.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Hollywood Cemetery welcomes visitors year-round and offers an array of ways to explore its grounds and history:

Tours and Educational Programs: Visitors can take self-guided tours with maps and brochures available at the cemetery office or online. Additionally, organized tours by electric car, Segway, trolley, or tuk tuk provide engaging narratives about the cemetery’s architecture, notable burials, and Civil War history. The Valentine museum also hosts walking tours focusing on Hollywood Cemetery’s cultural significance.

Events and Lectures: Throughout the year, the cemetery hosts special events including historical reenactments, commemorations, and educational talks that delve into topics such as Civil War history, genealogy, and historic preservation.

Genealogy Resources: Hollywood Cemetery serves as a resource for those researching family histories and burial records, offering access to archives and records that document the lives of many Virginians and Civil War veterans.

Accessibility and Facilities: The cemetery grounds include parking areas near the main office and Glade area, with additional on-street parking available. Paths and roadways accommodate visitors on foot or by vehicle. Benches and shaded areas are strategically placed for rest and contemplation.

Preservation and Recognition

Hollywood Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark. It functions both as an active cemetery-still accepting burials-and as a historic site preserving over 175 years of Virginia’s cultural and social history.

Ongoing preservation efforts focus on maintaining the structural integrity of its monuments, landscape features, and historic buildings while balancing the needs of contemporary cemetery operations. The cemetery’s caretakers work to protect the historic vegetation and natural setting that make it a peaceful green space in the urban environment.

Summary

Hollywood Cemetery stands as a monumental tribute to Virginia’s history and heritage, combining natural beauty with historical depth. Its design reflects the 19th-century rural cemetery movement’s ideals, transforming burial grounds into peaceful parks that serve both memorial and recreational purposes. Housing the graves of presidents, military leaders, and thousands of soldiers, it offers visitors a profound connection to American history amid a landscape of mature trees, gentle hills, and river views. The cemetery remains a vital cultural landmark in Richmond, respected for its artistry, history, and enduring role as a place of remembrance and education.