Forest Hill Cemetery
A vast, historic cemetery renowned for its stunning funerary art, unique memorials, and serene landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Forest Hill Cemetery
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, historic cemetery renowned for its stunning funerary art, unique memorials, and serene landscape.
"A living museum of art and history, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into countless stories."
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is vast! You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the unique memorials. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Artistry
Bring your camera! The sculptures and headstones are incredibly detailed and photogenic. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gracie Sherwood Allen Memorial
Girl in the Glass
A poignant marble statue of a young girl, symbolizing a life cut short. A truly unique and touching memorial.
The Boy in the Boat
Louis Ernest Mieusset's Grave
An incredibly moving sculpture of a young boy in a boat, a breathtaking piece of funerary art that captivates visitors.
Confederate Rest
Madison, Wisconsin location
The final resting place for 140 Confederate soldiers, a somber reminder of history, though the memorial itself has been removed.
Eston Hemings Jefferson's Grave
Madison, Wisconsin location
The burial site of Thomas Jefferson's son with Sally Hemings, offering a significant historical connection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History and Art
Respectful Exploration is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is vast! You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the unique memorials. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Artistry
Bring your camera! The sculptures and headstones are incredibly detailed and photogenic. :camerawithflash:
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush your visit. Many visitors spend 2+ hours exploring the grounds and appreciating the history. :clock1:
🤫 Be Respectful
Remember this is a place of rest. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout your visit. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is vast! You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the unique memorials. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Artistry
Bring your camera! The sculptures and headstones are incredibly detailed and photogenic. :camerawithflash:
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush your visit. Many visitors spend 2+ hours exploring the grounds and appreciating the history. :clock1:
🤫 Be Respectful
Remember this is a place of rest. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout your visit. :pray:
🗺️ Grab a Map
The cemetery is large and can be a bit confusing to navigate. A map can help you find specific notable graves. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Forest Hill Cemetery for its immense historical significance, stunning funerary art, and beautifully maintained grounds, describing it as a peaceful and contemplative place. While some mention the vastness can be overwhelming, the overall sentiment is one of awe and appreciation for its unique blend of history, art, and natural beauty.
"Huge cemetery with a lot of history. Wonderful for a Sunday drive our walk... If you like to walk through cemeteries."
Nichole Young Clarke
"We just had a funeral there and the people were lovely, the cemetery was nicely maintained, and it was so peaceful there."
Erin Sweeney
"Very glad that they took down the confederate memorial. This is a peaceful cemetery. I always felt ashamed to live near a monument celebrating the confederacy and all of its evil. The soldiers interred can be remembered as people, but absolutely not for the ideology behind the state for which they fought.
This is a wonderful place to walk through and is very beautifully maintained."
Bessenyei Izsák
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Forest Hill Cemetery is accessible by car and public transportation. If driving, parking is available on-site. For public transit, check local bus routes that service the cemetery's vicinity. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from nearby neighborhoods.
There are multiple Forest Hill Cemeteries. The one frequently featured on social media for its unique memorials and historical significance is located in Boston, Massachusetts. However, there are also locations in Utica, NY, and Madison, WI, among others.
Yes, there is a Forest Hill Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri. It has unfortunately been in the news for unfortunate incidents, but it remains a historic site.
Yes, Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison, Wisconsin, is notable for containing the graves of Confederate soldiers and Eston Hemings Jefferson, son of Thomas Jefferson.
Many visitors enjoy a leisurely walk or a Sunday drive through the cemetery to take in the scenery and historical markers. Comfortable shoes are a must due to the expansive grounds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Forest Hill Cemetery is generally free to enter and explore. It functions as a public park and historical site, welcoming visitors to wander its grounds during operating hours.
Operating hours can vary slightly by location and season. It's best to check the specific Forest Hill Cemetery's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date hours of operation.
Photography is permitted and encouraged at Forest Hill Cemetery, as it's considered an outdoor art museum. However, always be respectful of ongoing services and private memorials.
While not always formally advertised, some local historians or paranormal groups may offer specialized tours. It's worth checking local event listings or community forums for any available guided experiences.
The main paths are generally well-maintained, but some older sections may have uneven terrain. It's advisable to contact the cemetery directly for specific accessibility information if needed.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Notable graves include the poignant 'Girl in the Glass' memorial for Gracie Sherwood Allen, the touching 'Boy in the Boat' for Louis Ernest Mieusset, and historical figures like Eston Hemings Jefferson. The Confederate Rest section is also a significant historical marker.
Forest Hill Cemetery is renowned for its stunning funerary art, historical significance, and beautiful landscape design. It's often described as an outdoor sculpture garden and a living museum.
Like many historic cemeteries, Forest Hill Cemetery has its share of ghost stories and paranormal claims. Some visitors report eerie feelings or encounters, adding to its mystique.
Expect a wide range of memorials, from grand mausoleums and elaborate statues to unique, artistic sculptures. The 'Girl in the Glass' and 'Boy in the Boat' are particularly memorable examples.+1
Forest Hill Cemetery is a very large, sprawling burial ground. Visitors often spend hours exploring its vast acreage, so comfortable footwear is essential.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique and artistic memorials, like the 'Girl in the Glass' and 'Boy in the Boat,' are prime photography subjects. The overall landscape, with its mature trees and winding paths, also offers beautiful shots.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, avoid intrusive photography during services or private ceremonies. Drone photography may be restricted, so check cemetery regulations.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and a beautiful atmosphere for cemetery photography. Overcast days can also provide soft, even lighting for detailed shots of sculptures.
Elvis Presley was initially buried at Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis before being moved to Graceland. While his original burial site might be a point of historical interest, the primary focus for photography would be on the unique memorials within the cemetery itself.
To capture inscriptions clearly, try photographing gravestones at an angle to catch the light and reveal the etched details. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on polished stone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with children, focus on the visual aspects and storytelling. You can turn it into a scavenger hunt to find interesting statues or unique headstones. Remember to emphasize the importance of respect for the resting places. The vast grounds also offer space for children to move around, making it a more enjoyable experience than a typical museum visit. Pack snacks and water, and ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes for exploring the expansive grounds.
📸 Photographers and Art Enthusiasts
Seek out the unique iconography, the play of light and shadow on marble, and the stories etched in stone. The natural landscape, with its mature trees and winding paths, adds to the photographic appeal, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Remember to be mindful of any ongoing services and always maintain a respectful distance from private memorials. The sheer volume of artistic expression ensures endless opportunities for capturing stunning and thought-provoking images.
👻 Dark Tourists and Paranormal Investigators
While specific documented paranormal events might be anecdotal, the sheer number of stories and the historical weight of the location make it a compelling site for exploration. Consider visiting during twilight hours for an enhanced atmosphere, but always prioritize safety and respect. Remember that while the stories add to the allure, the primary purpose of the cemetery is as a place of remembrance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Forest Hill Cemetery
Beyond individual monuments, the cemetery's landscape design itself is a work of art. Often designed in the rural cemetery style, it features rolling hills, mature trees, and winding paths that create a serene and picturesque environment. This thoughtful integration of nature and art provides a tranquil setting for reflection and exploration. Visitors often remark on how well-maintained and beautiful the grounds are, contributing to the overall peaceful atmosphere.
When exploring, keep an eye out for the diverse range of artistic styles, from Victorian-era grandeur to more modern interpretations. Each headstone and monument tells a story, not just of the person interred, but also of the artistic and cultural sensibilities of the time. The sheer variety and quality of the artwork make Forest Hill Cemetery a truly unique destination, offering a profound connection to both history and human creativity.
Historical Significance and Notable Figures
Across its various locations, Forest Hill Cemetery holds connections to pivotal historical figures and events. For instance, the Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison, Wisconsin, is known for housing the 'Confederate Rest,' a section dedicated to Confederate soldiers who died as prisoners of war. This site, though its memorial has been removed, remains a somber historical marker.
Additionally, the grave of Eston Hemings Jefferson, son of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, is located here, offering a direct link to a significant, albeit complex, chapter of American history.In Memphis, Tennessee, Forest Hill Cemetery holds a unique place in pop culture history as the initial burial site of Elvis Presley. While he was later moved to Graceland, the fact that he was once interred here underscores the cemetery's prominence. The circumstances surrounding his initial burial and the subsequent attempt to move his body add a layer of intrigue to its history.
+1 These historical connections, from Civil War soldiers to presidential descendants and music icons, make Forest Hill Cemetery a compelling destination for anyone interested in American history.
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