City Cemetery Raleigh
Raleigh's oldest cemetery, a peaceful urban oasis holding the stories of founders, soldiers, and forgotten residents.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
City Cemetery Raleigh
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Raleigh's oldest cemetery, a peaceful urban oasis holding the stories of founders, soldiers, and forgotten residents.
"A fascinating city cemetery filled with Raleigh's early notables and reflective of life in the 18th and 19th centuries."
🚶♀️ Park Smart
Meter maids patrol closely. Park outside the cemetery for peace of mind.
🤫 Be Respectful
This is a historic resting place. Observe quietly and avoid disturbing the grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Founders' Resting Place
Throughout the cemetery
Discover graves of Raleigh's early settlers, Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers, and Freemasons.
Weathered Gravestones
Various sections
Admire the artistry and history etched into aged stones, some with unique high-relief carvings and symbols.
Hidden History Beneath
Under Downtown Raleigh
Learn about the unmarked graves of Black residents, a forgotten part of the city's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Park Smart
Meter maids patrol closely. Park outside the cemetery for peace of mind.
🤫 Be Respectful
This is a historic resting place. Observe quietly and avoid disturbing the grounds.
Old cemeteries in town
🚗 Assess Vehicle Size
The main road can be narrow. Consider walking in if your car is large.
🔍 Look for Symbols
Many Freemasons are buried here; look for obelisks and unique stone markers.
What time is the Raleigh City Cemetery open until?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Park Smart
Meter maids patrol closely. Park outside the cemetery for peace of mind.
🤫 Be Respectful
This is a historic resting place. Observe quietly and avoid disturbing the grounds.
🚗 Assess Vehicle Size
The main road can be narrow. Consider walking in if your car is large.
🔍 Look for Symbols
Many Freemasons are buried here; look for obelisks and unique stone markers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find City Cemetery Raleigh to be a historically rich and peaceful escape within the city. While many appreciate the chance to learn about Raleigh's early settlers and pay respects, some note the weathered condition of many gravestones and the hassle of parking enforcement. The cemetery offers a unique glimpse into the past, with a poignant reminder of forgotten histories.
"Sounds odd, but we like going to old cemeteries and learning about the people who were here before us. Historical, peaceful and a way to pay respects for those gone ahead of us. This cemetery has seen better days. Many of the stones are cracked or totally in pieces. Some folks have erected newer memorials for those faded away, which is wonderful. All walks of life found here from Revolutionary soldiers, Civil War soldiers and founders of Raleigh.
Just beware of the meter maids! Those boys literally stalked me to make sure I paid for parking! Down Cujo!"
Dannielle Rice
"What a fascinating city cemetery and filled with Raleigh's early notables and a cemetery fully reflective of what the life once was through the later 18th century and 19th. Its a place of surcease inside of the hustle and bustle city of today and a pleasant place to escape all of that. There are 3 pedestrian entrances and one main driving road but you may wish to be assess your vehicle's height and width before driving in due to old fashioned road. Your car may scrape on bottom so during day parking is fairly negotiable outside of it and best walked albeit one can park at back near maintenance building. You can see there's some collective effort to take care of this place and preserve it which was nice to observe although I loved the overgrown bordered or fenced family plots as it added something authentic feeling to them so hope they won't hurry on trimming it! You'll find everyone from Revolutionary War & Civil War figures here, lots of Freemasons not suprisingly just look for all of the obelisks. There are some appealing high relief carvings, symbols in iron and stone naturally, a couple of intriguing burial vaults with rarer type looks and iron decorations. Thankfully the neighborhood has also stayed fairly low-rise and the condos nearby don't overshadow the overall esthetic like you find in Atlanta, others. There are moments when you can still fool yourself into thinking this is a neighborhood cemetery or country hilltop one which of course it once very much was -- a true gem still!"
Cemetery Angels
"Cemetery dating back to the 1700's. In a very nice area of the city."
Carolina Girl
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
City Cemetery Raleigh is located in downtown Raleigh. There are three pedestrian entrances and one main driving road. Parking can be tricky with meter maids, so many visitors opt to park nearby and walk in.
As it's in the heart of downtown Raleigh, you can likely reach the vicinity via local bus routes. Check the GoRaleigh transit schedule for routes serving the downtown area.
The cemetery has a main driving road, but it can be narrow. Walking is often recommended to explore the various plots and gravestones at your own pace.
Yes, meter maids are known to be vigilant. It's advisable to park on surrounding streets where parking is permitted or in a nearby public garage to avoid tickets.
The cemetery is generally considered safe during daylight hours, especially as it's in a populated downtown area. However, as with any urban exploration, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, City Cemetery Raleigh is a public space and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to visit and explore.
As an outdoor public space, the cemetery is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific official hours may vary, but it's typically open from dawn until dusk.
There is no admission fee to enter City Cemetery Raleigh. It's a historic site open to the public for respectful visitation.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and potential trespassing issues. It's best enjoyed during daylight hours.
While not always officially scheduled, local ghost tours or historical walking tours sometimes include City Cemetery Raleigh as a stop. Check with local tour operators in Raleigh.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see historic gravestones of Raleigh's early residents, including Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers, Freemasons, and notable city founders. Some stones are weathered, while others have newer memorials.
It's the oldest official cemetery in Raleigh, dating back to the 1700s. It holds the stories of the city's development and its diverse population, including the forgotten Black residents buried without markers.
Yes, you'll find graves of Revolutionary War and Civil War figures, as well as many Freemasons marked by obelisks. It reflects the lives of many of Raleigh's early notables.
The condition varies greatly. Many stones are cracked or broken due to age, while others are remarkably preserved. Some family plots have newer memorials.
Despite being in the bustling city center, many visitors find it to be a peaceful escape, offering a quiet place for reflection and remembrance.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. It's a great spot for historical and atmospheric photos. Remember to be respectful of the site.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light that can enhance the mood of the old gravestones. Early mornings can also provide a serene atmosphere.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and historic sites. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise by city regulations.
You can capture images of weathered gravestones, intricate carvings, obelisks, iron decorations, and the overall historic ambiance of an old city cemetery.
Tripods are generally acceptable for personal photography, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways. Always check for any posted rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the terrain, as some areas might be uneven. Parking outside the cemetery is recommended to avoid any stress with meter maids, making the arrival and departure smoother for everyone. It’s a chance to teach about remembrance and the passage of time in a unique setting.
🏛️ History Buffs
Pay special attention to the unmarked graves of Black residents, a critical but often overlooked aspect of Raleigh's past.
👻 Ghost Tour Enthusiasts
While many graves are of notable citizens, the age and atmosphere of the cemetery lend themselves to tales of the spectral. Visitors often report a palpable sense of history and quiet contemplation. Exploring the weathered stones and imagining the lives lived centuries ago can be a chillingly fascinating experience, especially when combined with local lore.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Forgotten History of Black Residents
Unlike the more prominent sections with marked graves, these areas lack any formal recognition, a stark reminder of how historical narratives can be shaped by societal power structures. Efforts are ongoing to acknowledge and memorialize this lost community, highlighting the importance of uncovering and preserving all facets of a city's past.
Understanding this hidden history adds a profound layer to any visit to City Cemetery Raleigh, encouraging reflection on the lives and contributions of those who have been historically overlooked. It’s a call to remember and respect the full spectrum of Raleigh's heritage.
Navigating and Appreciating the Grounds
The cemetery is a treasure trove of historical markers, from Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers to Freemasons, identifiable by their obelisks. You'll encounter a variety of gravestone conditions, from weathered and cracked stones to newer memorials erected by descendants. The mix of well-maintained and overgrown family plots adds an authentic, historical feel.
Take your time to observe the details: the high-relief carvings, iron symbols, and even intriguing burial vaults. The surrounding low-rise neighborhood helps maintain the cemetery's aesthetic, allowing for moments where you can almost imagine it as a country hilltop cemetery, a true gem within the urban landscape.
Social
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