Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn is a popular landmark of 19th-century New York City. Founded in 1838, Green-Wood Cemetery was America’s first “country cemetery,” an idea inspired by Paris’s Père Lachaise Cemetery. New Yorkers quickly appreciated it: the cemetery became such a popular strolling spot that it inspired the creation of Central Park in 1858.
Green-Wood Cemetery is interfaith, meaning representatives of all religions and cultures are buried there: from Catholics and Protestants to Jews and Muslims. Over half a million souls are laid to rest within an area roughly the size of 450 football fields (half the size of Central Park). Therefore, Green-Wood Cemetery is one of the top five most populated cemeteries in the United States.
And this is exactly the case when you’re walking through a cemetery and easily recognize the names on the headstones. After all, Green-Wood is the resting place of:
- Samuel Morse;
- Leonard Bernstein (have you seen the film about him with Bradley Cooper?);
- Steinway & Sons founder Henry Steinway;
- Boss Tweed, the king of corruption, whose grave is clearly more modest than his scams;
- artist Jean-Michel Basquiat (incidentally, from the 27 Club);
- William Colgate (yes, that one);
- President and CEO of Atari.
- And thousands of other names, behind which incredible stories are hidden.
Green-Wood Cemetery is also home to the highest point in Brooklyn, Battle Hill. The Battle of Long Island took place there in 1776, and today it offers stunning views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
By the way, Green-Wood is not only a cemetery but also an open-air museum. It hosts lectures, exhibitions, and even botany courses. Live music concerts are also regularly held, especially in the crypt beneath the chapel.
So if you think New York is nothing but noise, grayness, and subway horns, visit Green-Wood. A place where the dead keep their peace and the living find it. In the spring, Green-Wood transforms into a Japanese garden: cherry blossoms bloom, birds sing, squirrels chase through centuries-old tombs. There are even owls. So now is the perfect time to visit the cemetery!
Visitors information
📍Green-Wood Cemetery / 25th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
The Main Entrance Gate was designed by architect Richard Upjohn in the Gothic style, and it became a model for all of America. This same Upjohn also designed one of New York City's most famous churches.
Admission: free
