Calvary Cemetery, Roman Catholic cemetery in Queens, New York City
Calvary Cemetery is a large burial ground in Queens containing millions of graves spread across extensive grounds. The cemetery is divided into sections, with Old Calvary as the oldest part and New Calvary extending over larger areas separated by major roads.
The cemetery was founded in 1848 after Manhattan banned new burial grounds on the island in 1847, forcing church trustees to purchase land in Queens. The first person buried there was Esther Ennis, marking the beginning of its long use as a burial ground.
The cemetery takes its name from Calvary, the hill of Jesus's crucifixion in Christian tradition. Walking through, you notice gravestones decorated with crosses, angels, and other religious symbols that reflect the faith and lives of those buried there.
The grounds are accessible by car with parking areas nearby, though the site sits alongside major roads that cross the area. The office in Woodside can help visitors locate specific graves, making it easier to navigate and find who you are looking for.
A filming location from The Godfather is reportedly located in Old Calvary, where a famous burial scene involving Vito Corleone was shot. This overlooked piece of film history connects the cemetery's historical graves to a legendary moment in popular culture.
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