Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond (must see)

Next to the Oregon Hill neighborhood, you'll find the Hollywood Cemetary, a sprawling site next to the James River. The cemetery was started in 1847 and was planned in the French tradition of garden cemeteries that added more park and green space to urban centers. Indeed, the founders of the Hollywood Cemetery were inspired by Boston's Mount Auburn Cemetery. The name comes from the holly trees found on the property.

Why You Should Visit

The cemetery is the final resting place of many important figures from Richmond's history. Two US presidents rest there, James Monroe and John Tyler, and Confederate President Jefferson Davis.

The 1869 Monument of Confederate War Dead is found at the cemetery. This 90-foot high granite pyramid stands in tribute to the more than 18,000 enlisted men from the Confederacy that are buried at the cemetery.

Tips

The cemetery is one of Richmond's top tourist attractions; it has history, character, and legend. Ghost stories abound. Many different tours are offered, so plan to visit during off-peak hours if you're looking for a quieter stroll. You can walk or drive through the cemetery.

Be sure to stop by the chapel at the entrance, which serves as the office. They have a map that points out the highlights. You can also download a map from their website.