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The Green-Wood Cemetery

By , About.com Guide

Green-Wood CemeteryPhoto by Kristen Goode

Green-Wood Cemetery, with its 478 acres of beautifully landscaped land, is one of Brooklyn's most historic landmarks. Founded in 1838 as one of the country's first cemeteries not located within a churchyard, the Green-Wood Cemetery today offers a peaceful respite from the busy neighborhoods surrounding it.

Some of the world's most well-known individuals are buried at Green-Wood: A walk around the cemetery will lead you to graves that belong to people ranging from Samuel Morse and Peter Cooper to William "Boss" Tweed and Louis Tiffany. A map (you can pick one up at the Gothic gates that mark the cemetery's entrance) will help you find more famous figures among the 560,000 people interred in the cemetery.

Green-Wood Cemetery is more, though, than just a pretty resting place for the deceased. The cemetery's four ponds, rolling hills, enormous trees, and flower gardens attract visitors from throughout the city, and you could easily wander around the grounds for hours. Guided tours are available, too, and the cemetery also has events throughout the year.

Green-Wood Cemetery Location

Green-Wood Cemetery Basics
  • Admission is free.
  • Phone: (718) 768-7300
  • Hours: 7:45am to 5pm, daily
  • Website

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