Hollywood Cemetery is Alive

Hollywood Cemetery has it all: Civil War ghosts, mausoleums, pyramids, and a great place to run in the morning. Founded in 1847 by Richmond locals William Haxall and Joshua Fry, Hollywood Cemetery sold its first grave in 1849. Since then, the cemetery has become the resting site of numerous historical figures. Two United States Presidents: James Monroe and John Tyler reside in the cemetery. President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis’ gravesite can also be found there. The cemetery is home to many other prominent and historical local figures such as teachers, congressmen, generals and even a Supreme Court Justice.

Beginning in April the Hollywood Cemetery will partner with the Valentine for walking tours of the grounds. From April to October there will be walking tours available Monday through Saturday. The Hollywood Cemetery tours led by Valentine tour guides will continue throughout November every Saturday 10- noon.

April is only a few weeks away, so sign up now for walking tours. While waiting for the weather to get warm; take a look at the Hollywood Cemetery over the years.

Lawn in HollywoodCemetery
c. 1900
Cook Collection
The Valentine
1736

 

Palmer section
c. 1920
W. Palmer Gray Collection
The Valentine
V.45.15.743

 

Memorial Day infront of Confederate pyramid
c. early 1890s
Cook Collection
The Valentine
1764

 

Colonel Joseph J. Volpe delivering eulogy during ceremony commemorating 222nd anniversary of James Monroe’s birth
April 29, 1980
Wallace Huey Clark
RichmondTimes-Dispatch Collection
The Valentine
V.85.37.1086

 

President John Tyler’s original marker
c. 1900
Cook Collection
The Valentine
1799

 

 

Joey Fall
PR & Marketing Intern
The Valentine