
Woodlawn Cemetery
A historic and beautiful cemetery, home to notable figures like Mark Twain and stunning mausoleums. A place for reflection and exploration.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Woodlawn Cemetery
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic and beautiful cemetery, home to notable figures like Mark Twain and stunning mausoleums. A place for reflection and exploration.
"Beautiful and historic Cemetery. visitors there all the time lovely place to be, to walk to read and to just take in the beauty"

Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast grounds and find specific gravesites. :athletic_shoe:
Check for Guided Tours
Tours offer fascinating historical context and can help you find notable graves like Mark Twain's. :walking:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mark Twain's Final Resting Place
Elmira, New York
Visit the serene grave of the legendary author Samuel Clemens, famously known as Mark Twain. A must-see for literature enthusiasts.

Samuel Untermeyer's Mausoleum
The Bronx, New York
Marvel at this stunning mausoleum, resembling a mini-temple with a terrace garden. A testament to a lawyer, activist, and reformer.

Woodlawn National Cemetery
Elmira, New York
A poignant burial ground for Confederate prisoners of war from the Civil War, maintained with historical significance.

Celebrity Gravesites
Various sections
Discover the final resting places of notable figures like Ernie Davis, Hal Roach Jr., and Ted Bessell. A walk through history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Woodlawn Cemetery
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast grounds and find specific gravesites. :athletic_shoe:
Check for Guided Tours
Tours offer fascinating historical context and can help you find notable graves like Mark Twain's. :walking:
Respectful Conduct
Remember this is a place of remembrance. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout your visit. :pray:
Plan Your Route
With many famous individuals buried here, it's helpful to have a map or know who you're looking for. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast grounds and find specific gravesites. :athletic_shoe:
Check for Guided Tours
Tours offer fascinating historical context and can help you find notable graves like Mark Twain's. :walking:
Respectful Conduct
Remember this is a place of remembrance. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout your visit. :pray:
Plan Your Route
With many famous individuals buried here, it's helpful to have a map or know who you're looking for. :world_map:
Visit Mark Twain's Grave
A popular destination for book lovers and history buffs alike. Don't miss this iconic author's final resting place. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Woodlawn Cemetery for its beauty, historical significance, and well-maintained grounds, particularly highlighting the graves of notable figures like Mark Twain. However, some reviews mention areas of the cemetery that could benefit from better upkeep, with occasional comments about unmowed sections.
"Beautiful and historic Cemetery. visitors there all the time lovely place to be, to walk to read and to just take in the beauty"
Rhonni Barrett
"Came here to see Mark Twain. Gtratly maintained, clean, and peaceful. Thank you so much for the great work!"
C. Wang
"The Woodlawn Cemetery complex is actually two cemeteries.
The larger of these is Woodlawn Cemetery, which is the final resting place of author, humorist, philosopher Samuel L. Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, Hal Roach Jr., American film pioneer and producer of the Our Gang series as well as many other films, and of Ernie Davis, first African-American winner of the Heisman Trophy.
The second cemetery is Woodlawn National Cemetery, begun during the American Civil War as a burial ground for the nearly 3,000 Confederate prisoners who died at the Elmira Prison Camp. Many were buried by John J. Jones, and escaped slave and sexton of a local church."
Tom Kieffer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Woodlawn Cemetery is accessible by car and public transportation. If driving, parking is available on-site. For public transit, check local bus routes or subway lines that serve the cemetery's vicinity. It's advisable to use a navigation app for real-time directions.
There are two notable Woodlawn Cemeteries. Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx is famous for its celebrity graves. Woodlawn National Cemetery in Elmira, NY, is a historic Civil War burial ground. Ensure you know which location you intend to visit.
The best way to explore is on foot, as it allows for a more intimate experience with the grounds and monuments. Guided tours are also highly recommended for historical insights.
While many main paths are paved, some areas may be uneven. It's best to contact the cemetery directly for specific accessibility information regarding their grounds and any available assistance.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but always be respectful. Avoid intrusive photography of private mausoleums or during services. Check specific rules if you plan professional shoots.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Woodlawn Cemetery typically has an entrance fee for visitors, though it may vary. It's recommended to check their official website or call ahead for the most current admission prices and operating hours.
Operating hours can vary by season and day of the week. Generally, cemeteries are open during daylight hours. Always confirm the specific hours of operation on the official Woodlawn Cemetery website before your visit.
For general entry, advance booking might not be necessary, but it's wise to check their policy. If you plan to join a guided tour, booking in advance is often required due to limited spots.
Yes, Woodlawn Cemetery often hosts special events, including historical tours and even Halloween-themed tours in the fall. These events provide unique perspectives on the cemetery's history and notable residents.
Woodlawn National Cemetery in Elmira is a national cemetery and typically has no entrance fee for visitors. It is maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key figures include author Mark Twain, Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis, and film producer Hal Roach Jr. The Samuel Untermeyer mausoleum is also a stunning architectural highlight.
To truly appreciate the grounds and visit several notable graves, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you're taking a guided tour, factor in the tour duration as well.
Restroom facilities are typically available within the cemetery grounds, often near the administration buildings or main entrances. It's a good idea to locate them upon arrival.
Generally, light refreshments are permissible, but it's important to be tidy and respectful. Avoid large picnics or alcohol. Dispose of all trash properly.
While some visitors report eerie feelings, Woodlawn Cemetery is primarily known for its historical significance and beautiful grounds rather than being a designated haunted attraction.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand mausoleums, intricate sculptures, and tree-lined avenues offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The Samuel Untermeyer mausoleum and the general landscape are particularly picturesque.
While personal photography is usually allowed, avoid disturbing services or private mausoleums. Professional photography may require special permits, so check with cemetery administration.
A versatile camera with a good lens for both wide shots of the landscape and detail shots of monuments would be ideal. A tripod might be useful for low-light conditions, but be mindful of space and other visitors.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in cemeteries to ensure the peace and privacy of the grounds. Always check the cemetery's specific drone policy before flying.
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography, casting long shadows and creating a serene atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on a few key gravesites to keep younger attention spans engaged. The grand mausoleums can also be fascinating for children to observe. Pack snacks and water, and be mindful of the cemetery's quiet atmosphere.
📚 Book Lovers and History Buffs
Take advantage of guided tours to gain deeper insights into the lives of the individuals buried here and the historical context of the cemetery itself. Researching notable residents beforehand can enhance your visit, allowing you to seek out specific individuals and their stories.
🚶♀️ Solitude Seekers and Nature Enthusiasts
Visit during off-peak hours, such as weekday mornings, to experience the cemetery at its most peaceful. The combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes it a unique destination for a quiet afternoon.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Mark Twain
Twain's connection to Elmira was deep; he spent many summers there with his wife Olivia Langdon Clemens, whose family also has a prominent presence in the cemetery. The cemetery's meticulous upkeep ensures that his memorial remains a dignified tribute. Exploring this section of Woodlawn Cemetery provides a tangible link to a literary giant and a chance to appreciate the quiet beauty of his eternal resting place.
Architectural Marvels and Notable Figures
Woodlawn Cemetery is the final resting place for a remarkable range of individuals, from Ernie Davis, the first African-American Heisman Trophy winner, to Hal Roach Jr., a pioneer in film and television production. The cemetery also honors figures like John W. Jones, an escaped slave who became the sexton of Woodlawn National Cemetery, underscoring its rich and complex history. Exploring these graves offers a unique opportunity to connect with the lives and legacies of those who have shaped American history and culture.
Woodlawn National Cemetery: A Civil War Memorial
The cemetery's history is intertwined with figures like John J. Jones, an escaped slave who played a significant role in the burial of these prisoners. His story adds a layer of profound historical significance to the site. The cemetery is meticulously maintained, offering a peaceful and respectful environment for remembrance and reflection on this critical period in American history.





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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit