Monument Cemetery: Philadelphia’s Lost Necropolis
Monument Cemetery, once a prominent burial ground in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, existed from 1837 to 1956. Over 28,000 individuals were interred there, including notable figures from the Civil War and Philadelphia’s history before the cemetery was controversially relocated and the land redeveloped.
History and Establishment
Established in 1837, Monument Cemetery quickly became a popular choice for burials in Philadelphia. Its design incorporated elaborate monuments and landscaped grounds, reflecting the Victorian era’s reverence for death and mourning. The cemetery’s central feature was a towering monument dedicated to the memory of Revolutionary War soldiers, hence its name.
Notable Interments
Monument Cemetery served as the final resting place for many individuals who played significant roles in Philadelphia and American history. Among them were Civil War generals, prominent politicians, artists, and industrialists. Researching the history of those interred there provides a valuable glimpse into Philadelphia’s past. The most well known burial would be that of Thomas Fitzsimons, a signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Decline and Removal
Despite its initial popularity, Monument Cemetery faced challenges in the 20th century. Decreasing revenue, rising maintenance costs, and the increasing value of the land led to its eventual demise. In the 1950s, a controversial decision was made to relocate the cemetery. The bodies were disinterred and moved to Lawnview Cemetery in Rockledge, Pennsylvania. The land was then redeveloped into a shopping center, erasing nearly all physical traces of the original cemetery.
Legacy
Today, the site of Monument Cemetery is a shopping center, a stark contrast to its former purpose. While the physical cemetery is gone, its memory lives on through historical records, photographs, and the stories of those who were buried there. Historical societies and genealogical researchers continue to piece together the cemetery’s history and the lives of the people it once honored. The destruction of Monument Cemetery highlights some of the challenges associated with preserving historical sites, especially in urban areas.
FAQs
Where was Monument Cemetery located?
Monument Cemetery was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at what is now the site of a shopping center at Broad Street and Berks Street in the Fairhill neighborhood.
When did Monument Cemetery close?
Monument Cemetery closed in the 1950s, with the removal of bodies occurring around 1956.
Where were the bodies moved when Monument Cemetery closed?
The remains from Monument Cemetery were moved to Lawnview Cemetery in Rockledge, Pennsylvania.
Why was Monument Cemetery closed?
Monument Cemetery was closed due to financial difficulties, increasing maintenance costs, and the desire to redevelop the valuable land it occupied.
Are there any remnants of Monument Cemetery left?
No, there are no visible physical remnants of Monument Cemetery at the site. The land has been completely redeveloped.
Summary
Monument Cemetery in Philadelphia, once a significant Victorian-era burial ground, was dismantled in the 1950s. The remains were relocated, and the land was redeveloped into a shopping center. Although the cemetery no longer exists physically, its history and the stories of those interred there continue to be researched and remembered, providing a glimpse into Philadelphia’s past.
Leave a Reply