Woodward Hill Cemetery, cemetery in Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States
Woodward Hill Cemetery is a cemetery covering about 32 acres with thousands of graves arranged in organized rows and separated by maintained lawns and mature trees. The site features straight pathways that guide visitors through different sections, allowing them to walk among the headstones and explore the full grounds.
The cemetery was founded in 1851 by Trinity Lutheran Church and opened to people of all faiths in 1852, expanding beyond its original role as a burial ground primarily for church members. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, formally recognizing its importance to the region's history.
The cemetery takes its name from its location on elevated ground and has long served as a gathering place where families honor the deceased and reflect on shared memories. Visitors today continue the practice of leaving flowers and reading the names on stones, showing how this site remains woven into the community's way of remembering those who came before.
The cemetery is accessible during daylight hours and can be easily explored on foot using the straight pathways, with well-maintained lawns and trees creating a calm environment for walking. Visitors should allow time to browse through different sections and read the headstones, which often contain details about those buried there.
The cemetery is particularly known as the burial site of James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States, whose grave draws many visitors interested in presidential history. His funeral in 1868 was a major event with a large procession through Lancaster, reflecting the national importance of his resting place.
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