Laurel Hill Cemetery
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Founded in 1836 and designed by Scottish architect John Notman, this was the nation's second major rural cemetery. With its rolling landscape, horticultural plantings, and eclectic architecture, it offered a romantic alternative to the crowded urban environment. Overlooking the Schuylkill River, 3.5 miles north of center-city, it had grown by 1861 to 78 acres. This cemetery was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1998.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Founded in 1836 on a bluff above the Schuylkill River, Laurel Hill was the nation's second major rural cemetery, laid out by the Scottish-born architect John Notman. Its winding drives, ornamental plantings, and eclectic monuments made it as much a landscaped park as a burial ground, offering city dwellers a romantic escape from crowded, unhealthy urban churchyards. By 1861 it had grown to 78 acres, and Philadelphians came to stroll its grounds long before the city had public parks. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1998.
Why it matters
Laurel Hill helped launch the rural cemetery movement, which reshaped American attitudes toward death, landscape, and public green space and paved the way for the great urban parks.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia4.0 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center4.0 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center4.2 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center4.2 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Betsy Ross House4.2 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History4.3 mi away · 101 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir1.5 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge2.0 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo2.3 mi away
- Rocky Steps2.7 mi away
- Harbison's Dairy Milk Bottle3.3 mi away
- Philly Gun Range3.4 mi away · North Percy Street
Food & drink
- Burger King4.1 mi away
- Dunkin'4.1 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Mall Cafe4.2 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Philly Pretzel Factory4.2 mi away
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters4.2 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe4.2 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia3.6 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center3.7 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia3.8 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA3.8 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel3.8 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City3.8 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · John Notman
Themes & tags
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