Memphis Marks: Elmwood Cemetery
If you’re a history buff like me, you inevitably find that some of the most historically rich places in a city are often the old plots of ground where families have buried their loved ones for generations. It may not be possible to walk into ancient cathedrals in Memphis or tour Colonial homes, but we do have glimpses of the 18th and 19th century around us and they tell a fascinating story.
Elmwood Cemetery is nestled in South Memphis and remain the cities’ oldest active cemetery. The property was originally purchased by 50 wealthy Memphians who saw a need for another local cemetery and each invested $500 in the investment of 40 acres of land. The investors were inspired by the Rural Cemetery movement of the 19th century, which recognized the health concerns of laying the dead to rest in crowded urban spaces and sought to secure larger properties in outlying areas. The vision of the movement was not just practical, however. With larger spaces came more opportunities for horticultural design and beauty. Puritanism had long influenced the aesthetic of graveyards, focusing on images of the sadness and grief of death. With the Rural Cemetery Movement, however, a fresh Victorian perspective immerged. The optimism of death...the promise of heaven and the imagery of the divine, became far more popular. Cemeteries were not simply seen as burial grounds any longer. Showcasing vast and immaculate gardens and impressive statuary, cemeteries were now considered parks to be enjoyed by the living. Elmwood became such a place, offering areas of recreation and art and a place for social gatherings. To this day, the Carlisle S. Page Arboretum within the cemetery’s bounds, boasts of a collection of 800 trees and 63 species. Of all the trees found there, there were originally no elms, however. When the investors were finalizing a name for the cemetery, they drew “Elmwood” out of a hat and agreed on the name. After determining they would use Elmwood, they immediately ordered several elms from New York state to plant in order to authenticate the name.
Over the last 160 years, Elmwood has buried over 75,000 men and women. Those who lay at rest there are among the most prominent Mid-Southerners and among the most infamous as well. Politicians and religious leaders, madams and novelists all rest beneath the towering trees. Almost one thousand Confederate veterans lay in an area called Confederate’s Rest (most of the Union soldiers originally buried there were moved to the Memphis National Cemetery in the late 1800’s) and even a few Revolutionary soldiers are buried there as well. Over two thousand Yellow Fever victims, including nurses and doctors who sacrificed their own lives, are laid to rest in the four public plots. A stroll through the grounds indeed tells the story of Memphis’ history...tales of it’s bravery, corruption, and struggles are all kept alive there among the dead.
Elmwood offers walking tours, bike tours, and special ghost tours throughout the year. A visit to the cemetery this spring is truly a great way to soak up some real Memphis spirit.