This cemetery is listed in the National Historic Registry and is a must see if you're in Memphis; especially during Spring. Elmwood offers a guided walking tour or self guided cd tour. The day I visited I took the self tour due to not planning ahead. I have to say " It was pleasantly informative." The cd allowed me to enjoy the history of Memphis in my car, while setting my own pace. The cemetery grounds are full of blooming trees, glorious monuments, and is well maintained. If you like history you will not be disappointed. An unplanned trip turned into a peaceful day. ~I wish they would stay open longer during warmer months. I would love to see the statues during sunset. I can only imagine....
They offer an audio driving tour of the cemetery. A very interesting tour and provides an in depth history of Memphis and the people that have contributed to its rich history. The audio tour also provides details about the design and meaning of several of the grave stone designs. We were pleasantly surprised how interesting the tour was. An unexpected find.
People often over look a cities cemetery as a way of learning about the town's history. Elmwood Cemetery has been lovingly maintained and even has an informative audio or self lead tour. It is very apparent that the caretaker pours his heart into restoring the graves and keeping the grounds impeccable. Thank you!
Cemeteries are a great source of lesser known local history and I love to check them out. This cemetery has tons of info in the map ($5- a good deal) and was a fun way to spend a few hours.
Really enjoyed the sculptures in the cemetery. Some are very creative. It also offered some insights on life in Memphis. There was a combination grave that I remember. A mother and child are buried together. The mother died a few days after the child was born. The child died a few months later. It really brought home the dangers of child birth in the early to mid 1800s.
The old family gravesites are amazing. They should have a book or handout that tells you what the symbolism is. The child graves a a little sad. It is amazing what went into some of the family sites.
Nice cemetery, but better with the CD and map to drive along. Very well laid out with signs marking the audio segment. There is also a swing at this cemetery- go check it out! And they open slightly earlier than most Memphis attractions, a huge plus.
This gave an interesting take on the history of Memphis. Would recommend going on a day when the audio tours are available, as the office was closed on Sunday. We still could piece together some of the interesting story of Memphis via markers and gravestones, but it would have been better with some additional background.
I love the sculptures and history that can be found in a cemetery. This one is full of interesting information. We were geocaching this location so had a set pattern we were following. Definitely on our next visit we will do the auto tour. Love it! Not quite NOLA, but worth the stop.
I have been to Elmwood several times and enjoy the various speaker events. I also have family buried in this lovely old cemetery.