Elmwood Cemetery, Columbia, SC, Oct 2014
1 / 10

Elmwood Cemetery

4.5
·49 reviews·Columbia, United States

A beautiful and historic resting place, Elmwood Cemetery offers a serene escape filled with fascinating monuments and stories from the past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall afternoons

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Elmwood Cemetery, Columbia, SC, Oct 2014

Elmwood Cemetery

Best Time

Spring & Fall afternoons

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beautiful and historic resting place, Elmwood Cemetery offers a serene escape filled with fascinating monuments and stories from the past.

4.5
(49 reviews)

"You could spend hours exploring the acres and acres of interesting headstones."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across acres of grounds. :athletic_shoe:

Check for Events

Look for 'Treetops & Tombstones' or 'Elmwood After Dark' for special tours. :calendar:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Headstones & Monuments

Historic Headstones & Monuments

Throughout the cemetery

Explore acres of fascinating headstones and monuments, each telling a unique story of lives lived.

Symbolic Animal Statues

Symbolic Animal Statues

Various sections

Discover intricate animal statues, often used for symbolism and remembrance, adding a unique artistic element.

Yellow Fever Victims' Mass Grave

Yellow Fever Victims' Mass Grave

Designated area

A somber yet important site, this mass grave honors those lost to the devastating yellow fever epidemic.

Notable Residents' Memorials

Notable Residents' Memorials

Various sections

Pay respects to famous and local figures interred here, offering a journey through regional history.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Elmwood Cemetery

Elmwood Cemetery is a historic and beautiful resting place, perfect for an afternoon of exploration. Consider visiting during a special event like 'Treetops & Tombstones' or 'Elmwood After Dark' for a unique experience. Check their website for event schedules and ticket information.

Navigating Elmwood's History

With acres of history, Elmwood Cemetery is a treasure trove of stories. Look for animal statues symbolizing remembrance and the poignant mass grave of yellow fever victims. Many famous and local residents are interred here, offering a glimpse into the past.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium
When
During special events
Why
Unique historical experiences
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Elmwood Cemetery and its Executive Director are being featured on "A Conversation with Kim Bearden," airing on WKNO Channel 10 Friday, July 11th at 7:30 pm, and repeating Sunday, July 13 at noon. It will also be available to watch online on YouTube and wkno.org/the PBS app.
elmwoodcemetery
74 likes • 861 views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across acres of grounds. :athletic_shoe:

Check for Events

Look for 'Treetops & Tombstones' or 'Elmwood After Dark' for special tours. :calendar:

“Our Little Willie” located in Elmwood Cemetery in Charlotte, NC. The inscription reads: Fell Calmly to Sleep. June 27th A.D. 1856. Aged 1 Year 1 Month and 28 Days. A bud on earth - A flower in Heaven. #grave #cemetery #graveyard #taphophile #cemeterywandering #cemeteryshots #project_necropolis #aj_graveyards #cemeteryphotography #cemeterylovers #cemetery_nation #graveyard_freaks #graveyardph...
agravelady
213 likes • 3.1K views
Treetops & Tombstones returns one week from today in Elmwood Cemetery! Last year, we caught up with residents who attended the annual event to hear what they had to say about this unique experience. Treetops & Tombstones happens once a year, so be on the lookout for its return next April if you can't make it next weekend. Learn more through the link in our bio. #EarthMonth #ArborWeek
cltgov
38 likes • 2.2K views

Guided Tours Available

Consider a guided tour for deeper historical insights. :magnifyingglasstilted_right:

Respectful Exploration

Remember this is a place of remembrance. Be mindful and respectful during your visit. :pray:

Historic Elmwood Cemetery. Monuments for remembrance. Animal statues for symbolism. Sad mass grave of yellow fever victims. Famous Memphis residents. So much to see, it's worth an afternoon adventure.
fdarlene491
34 likes • 1.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across acres of grounds. :athletic_shoe:

Check for Events

Look for 'Treetops & Tombstones' or 'Elmwood After Dark' for special tours. :calendar:

Guided Tours Available

Consider a guided tour for deeper historical insights. :magnifyingglasstilted_right:

Respectful Exploration

Remember this is a place of remembrance. Be mindful and respectful during your visit. :pray:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(49 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Elmwood Cemetery for its beauty, historical significance, and the helpfulness of its staff. Many appreciate the serene atmosphere and the opportunity to explore unique monuments and learn about local history. While the cemetery itself is a place of remembrance, the staff is noted for their compassion and efficiency in assisting with arrangements.

"St Peter's Cemetery and Elmwood Cemetery are historic and beautiful. You could spend hours exploring the acres and acres of interesting headstones. A number of veterans and those killed in WWI and WWII rest here."

Paul Clawson

"Susie and Cheyenne have been tremendously helpful and truly a blessing in the process of designing markers and a bench for my mother and myself. They have ensured that everything is made correctly and as we discussed, and they have both been patient and compassionate regarding questions and clarification we've needed. These ladies and their staff are a blessing to us, the families they help, and to anyone who has the privilege of meeting them."

WTS Jr.

"Our family has been buried in Elmwood Cemetery since the 1800’s. They have been wonderful to work with planning our most recent funeral. It’s never easy dealing with grief but the staff at Elmwood help every step of the way."

Leanne Fishburne

What People Like

Beautiful historic grounds
Helpful and compassionate staff
Rich local history

What People Dislike

Can be overwhelming to navigate

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Elmwood Cemetery is accessible by car and public transportation. Check local transit routes for the most convenient options. Parking is generally available on-site. Instagram

There are multiple Elmwood Cemeteries. The one with 'Our Little Willie' is in Charlotte, NC,Instagram while the 'History & Hops' event was at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit, MI.Instagram Always confirm the specific location you intend to visit.

While specific hours can vary, historic cemeteries are often open during daylight hours. It's best to check the official Elmwood Cemetery website or contact them directly for the most accurate information on Elmwood Cemetery hours. TikTok

Yes, you can explore Elmwood Cemetery independently. However, guided tours are available and highly recommended for a richer understanding of its history. Instagram

Typically, historic cemeteries like Elmwood offer parking facilities for visitors. It's advisable to confirm parking availability and any associated fees with the cemetery administration. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission to explore the grounds is often free, but special events like 'Elmwood After Dark' or guided tours may require tickets. Check the official Elmwood Cemetery website for event details and pricing. Instagram+1

Elmwood Cemetery prices for plots and funeral services vary. For specific details on Elmwood Cemetery prices, it's best to contact their sales or planning department directly. Reddit

Elmwood Cemetery records can often be accessed through their administration or online databases like Find a Grave. Inquire about Elmwood Cemetery records for specific plot information. TikTok

Yes, Elmwood Cemetery hosts special events such as 'Treetops & Tombstones' and 'Elmwood After Dark' candlelight tours. These offer unique historical perspectives. Instagram+1

The staff at Elmwood Cemetery, like Susie and Cheyenne, are very helpful in designing markers and benches. They ensure accuracy and provide compassionate support throughout the process. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Elmwood Cemetery features historic headstones, symbolic animal statues, a mass grave of yellow fever victims, and memorials to famous residents. It's a place rich with history and art. Instagram

Photography is generally permitted at Elmwood Cemetery for personal use, allowing you to capture the beauty and history. Be sure to be respectful of the grounds and other visitors. Instagram

Yes, Elmwood Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable figures, including Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest and jazz musician Sun Ra. Instagram+1

The 'Our Little Willie' monument in Elmwood Cemetery (Charlotte, NC) is a touching memorial to a child who died at a young age, with an inscription that reads 'A bud on earth - A flower in Heaven.' Instagram

Elmwood Cemetery preserves local history, including the stories of veterans, victims of epidemics like yellow fever, and prominent citizens. It's a living archive of the community. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Typically, historic cemeteries do not have on-site dining facilities. Visitors usually bring their own refreshments or dine at nearby restaurants after their visit. Instagram

Yes, depending on the specific location of Elmwood Cemetery, there are usually restaurants and cafes in the surrounding areas. Check local listings for dining options. Instagram

Picnicking policies can vary. It's best to check with Elmwood Cemetery administration if they permit picnicking on their grounds to ensure you comply with their rules. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The best spots for photography include areas with unique headstones, the symbolic animal statues, and any particularly scenic or historically significant monuments. Instagram+1

While generally allowed for personal use, it's always wise to be mindful of any specific photography guidelines or restrictions posted by Elmwood Cemetery, especially regarding commercial photography. Instagram

Cemetery photography, or 'taphophilia,' is popular, focusing on the artistry of headstones, the atmosphere of historic grounds, and the stories behind the memorials. Instagram

Tripod usage policies can differ. It's recommended to contact Elmwood Cemetery directly to inquire about their regulations regarding tripods and professional photography equipment. Instagram

The combination of mature trees, intricate sculptures, diverse architectural styles of monuments, and the overall serene atmosphere makes Elmwood Cemetery highly photogenic. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Elmwood Cemetery can be an educational outing for families. Encourage children to look for the animal statues and discuss their symbolism. The 'Our Little Willie' monument offers a gentle introduction to themes of remembrance. Instagram

Consider visiting during daylight hours and focusing on specific, easily accessible areas. While the history is rich, keep explanations age-appropriate. Bringing a small picnic to enjoy in a designated area (if permitted) can make the outing more enjoyable for younger visitors. Instagram

🏛️ History Buffs & Genealogy Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by history and genealogy, Elmwood Cemetery is a goldmine. You can spend hours deciphering historic headstones and researching the lives of past residents. InstagramReddit

Look for records of veterans and prominent local figures. The cemetery's administration or online resources like Find a Grave can be invaluable for tracing family histories or learning about significant individuals. TikTok

📸 Photographers & Art Lovers

Elmwood Cemetery offers a wealth of photographic opportunities. The intricate details of monuments, the symbolic animal sculptures, and the atmospheric landscapes provide endless inspiration. Instagram+1

Experiment with different lighting conditions, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, to capture the cemetery's mood. Remember to be respectful of the grounds and any ongoing services. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Elmwood Cemetery's Rich History

Elmwood Cemetery is more than just a burial ground; it's a living museum of local history. Established in the 19th century, it serves as the final resting place for generations of residents, including prominent figures, veterans, and victims of historical events like the yellow fever epidemic. The diverse array of headstones and monuments offers a visual timeline of changing artistic styles and societal values. Instagram

Visitors can discover symbolic animal statues that adorn many graves, each carrying specific meanings of remembrance and protection. The mass grave of yellow fever victims stands as a poignant reminder of past public health crises. Exploring these sites provides a profound connection to the past and a deeper understanding of the community's heritage. Instagram

Special events like 'Treetops & Tombstones' and 'Elmwood After Dark' offer unique opportunities to experience the cemetery's history come alive through guided narratives and historical reenactments. These events transform the grounds into an immersive historical experience, making Elmwood Cemetery a destination for both quiet reflection and engaging historical discovery. Instagram+1

Navigating Elmwood Cemetery: Tips for Visitors

When planning your visit to Elmwood Cemetery, comfortable footwear is essential, as you'll likely be walking across extensive grounds. The cemetery's beauty is best appreciated at a leisurely pace, so allow ample time to explore its many sections. Instagram

It's highly recommended to check the cemetery's official website or social media for any upcoming events or tours. Special occasions like 'Treetops & Tombstones' or historical candlelight tours offer unique perspectives and can enhance your visit. Booking tickets in advance for these popular events is often necessary. Instagram+1

Remember that Elmwood Cemetery is a place of solemn remembrance. Visitors are encouraged to maintain a respectful demeanor throughout their exploration. While photography is generally welcomed for personal use, always be mindful of the surroundings and other visitors. Reddit

Notable Figures and Stories at Elmwood Cemetery

Elmwood Cemetery is the final resting place for a number of significant individuals, contributing to its historical importance. Among them is Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest, whose funeral service was a notable event before his interment. Instagram

In the realm of music, the legendary jazz musician Sun Ra also found his final resting place at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, AL, with his homegoing service documented there. Instagram

Beyond famous figures, the cemetery holds countless stories of everyday people, veterans of WWI and WWII, and those who tragically succumbed to epidemics like yellow fever. Each headstone and memorial is a testament to a life lived and a piece of the community's collective memory. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2