If you think about it there are few places more packed with history than cemeteries. It may be considered morbid by some, but I’ve always enjoyed visiting them for that reason. The incredible variety of mounuments alone is reason enough to visit…I think the style, theme and size of each monument says a little bit about the time (and family circumstances) of the deceased, giving the visitor a snapshot of many different periods of time in one place. Cemeteries are full of mystery as well: why are 800 Confederate soldiers buried in a mass grave here in Goldsboro, NC? You’ll enjoy Hollywood. Be sure to check out the Gettysburg section near Pickett’s grave (also near Raleigh Colston’s grave as I recall). When you visit Monroe and Tyler’s graves be sure to walk a few yards towards the James River. The view is spectacular from the bluff. There is another good view from Jefferson Davis’s and Fitzhugh Lee’s graves as well. Enjoy your trip.

Randy

What was jsut as interesting as that actually were some graves I came upon by chance–a husband and wife who had lost at least five children to childhood diseases in the late 18th century, the children buried near them and none of them making it past age five. One hopes that they had other offspring who made it to adulthood, lived to ripe old ages and are buried elsewhere but it was, by the modern developed world’s standards of low childhood mortality rates, a shocking reminder of the highly transitory nature of young life in those times.

Todd

Yep, I love prowling cemeteries. Some think it morbid, but I get a kick out of it.

I’m really looking forward to Hollywood–it’s one of those must-see places, and I’m almost embarrassed that I’ve never been there. I will pay your–and my–respects to Freeman.

Eric

You never cease to amaze me. So, on top of being a successful legal eagle, a supportive and tender spouse, a recorder of honorable and valiant deeds upon fields of conflict, and a protector, provider and lover of good dogs, you are also a crypt-kicker! (So am I–especially Presidential graves.)

When you visit Hollywood Cementery you will want to see the three Presidents (Davis, Monroe and Tyler) and Stuart’s and Pickett’s graves among others. The one I missed, regretfully, is Douglas Southall Freeman’s. As one historian’s tribute to another, you might like to include his marker to your collection. When I was there in 1980 the front office, located by the front gate had a free map of all the interesting markers in the place–it saves alot of time to get one.

By the way, did you hear about the crossword puzzle fanantic? She said that when she died she wanted to be buried six down and three across.

Best wishes always,
Lanny