Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond (must see)
Hollywood Cemetery, located on South Cherry Street in the Oregon Hill neighborhood of Richmond, is a prominent 135-acre historic rural cemetery established in 1847. Designed by landscape architect John Notman, this scenic burial ground sits overlooking the picturesque James River. It is notable for being one of the only two cemeteries in the United States, alongside Arlington National Cemetery, to house the graves of two U.S. Presidents: James Monroe and John Tyler.
Richmond's significant role as the capital of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War has deeply influenced the cemetery's heritage. Hollywood Cemetery serves as the final resting place for numerous Confederate officials including President Jefferson Davis and Secretary of War James A. Seddon. It also holds the graves of 25 Confederate Army officers, including generals J.E.B. Stuart, Fitzhugh Lee, and George Pickett.
Notably, the cemetery contains the remains of over 11,000 Confederate soldiers, honored by the Monument of the Confederate War Dead. This striking 90-foot granite pyramid, built in 1869 by Charles H. Dimmock and crafted from James River granite, stands as a memorial inscribed with a Latin dedication to the soldiers' eternal memory. The monument's construction was supported by the Hollywood Ladies' Memorial Association, reflecting the community's ongoing commitment to honoring their legacy.
The cemetery has been a focal point for Confederate Memorial Day commemorations since 1866 and was officially recognized as a site of historic importance when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. Today, Hollywood Cemetery is not only a key historical site but also one of the most visited cemeteries in Virginia, attracting visitors with its rich history and beautiful vistas.
Tips:
The cemetery is one of Richmond's top tourist attractions; it has history, character, and legend. Ghost stories abound. Many different tours are offered, so plan to visit during off-peak hours if you're looking for a quieter stroll. You can walk or drive through the cemetery.
Be sure to stop by the chapel at the entrance, which serves as the office. They have a map that points out the highlights. You can also download a map from their website.
Richmond's significant role as the capital of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War has deeply influenced the cemetery's heritage. Hollywood Cemetery serves as the final resting place for numerous Confederate officials including President Jefferson Davis and Secretary of War James A. Seddon. It also holds the graves of 25 Confederate Army officers, including generals J.E.B. Stuart, Fitzhugh Lee, and George Pickett.
Notably, the cemetery contains the remains of over 11,000 Confederate soldiers, honored by the Monument of the Confederate War Dead. This striking 90-foot granite pyramid, built in 1869 by Charles H. Dimmock and crafted from James River granite, stands as a memorial inscribed with a Latin dedication to the soldiers' eternal memory. The monument's construction was supported by the Hollywood Ladies' Memorial Association, reflecting the community's ongoing commitment to honoring their legacy.
The cemetery has been a focal point for Confederate Memorial Day commemorations since 1866 and was officially recognized as a site of historic importance when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. Today, Hollywood Cemetery is not only a key historical site but also one of the most visited cemeteries in Virginia, attracting visitors with its rich history and beautiful vistas.
Tips:
The cemetery is one of Richmond's top tourist attractions; it has history, character, and legend. Ghost stories abound. Many different tours are offered, so plan to visit during off-peak hours if you're looking for a quieter stroll. You can walk or drive through the cemetery.
Be sure to stop by the chapel at the entrance, which serves as the office. They have a map that points out the highlights. You can also download a map from their website.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Richmond. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Hollywood Cemetery on Map
Sight Name: Hollywood Cemetery
Sight Location: Richmond, USA (See walking tours in Richmond)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Richmond, USA (See walking tours in Richmond)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Richmond, Virginia
Create Your Own Walk in Richmond
Creating your own self-guided walk in Richmond is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Homes Walking Tour
Being one of America’s oldest major cities, the capital of Virginia, Richmond, is rich with historic homes, dating back well into the 1800s and beyond. Those passionate about storied buildings will surely find plenty to their taste here.
The Edgar Allan Poe Museum, The White House of the Confederacy – home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis during the Civil War, and the John Marshall... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
The Edgar Allan Poe Museum, The White House of the Confederacy – home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis during the Civil War, and the John Marshall... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Richmond Introduction Walking Tour
After settling Jamestown in 1607, several expeditions up the James River led to an interest in the area inhabited by the Powhatan Nation. But the first European settlements didn’t come for more than a hundred years when in 1737, planter William Byrd II had the original town grid laid out.
He named the town “Richmond” after an English town. He felt the view of the James River was similar... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
He named the town “Richmond” after an English town. He felt the view of the James River was similar... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Maymont and Carytown Walking Tour
Maymont, a picturesque and spacious Victorian estate in Richmond, Virginia, is a popular outdoor attraction nestled in the very heart of the city.
Home to the beautifully landscaped Japanese and Italian gardens surrounding the opulent, historic Maymont Mansion, it represents a remnant from America's Gilded Age. Nature enthusiasts can also explore the Maymont Wildlife Center, home to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Home to the beautifully landscaped Japanese and Italian gardens surrounding the opulent, historic Maymont Mansion, it represents a remnant from America's Gilded Age. Nature enthusiasts can also explore the Maymont Wildlife Center, home to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles