Hollywood Cemetery has been part of the Richmond landscape since 1847, and is home to the remains of many prominent locals. This quiet nook is a great place to visit to get an insight into the city’s history, and offers stunning views in beautiful surroundings.
The cemetery’s name has nothing to do with film-making—it actually comes from the holly trees dotted around the site. Unlike many American cemeteries, this does not feature regimented lines of graves stretched out, instead it was designed in a “rural garden” style, with no particular order to the monuments and mausoleums, and an emphasis on greenery. This large expanse of land, which runs down to the James River, has many paths winding through it, making it a great place to stroll or, as many of the locals do, jog in shaded surroundings.
If you want to learn about local history, this is a great place to start. As key player in the American Civil War, Richmond features many monuments to the lives lost in this conflict. Hollywood Cemetery holds the remains of 18,000 soldiers, with a granite pyramid commemorating their sacrifice, and 25 Confederate generals. Join one of the free walking tours to understand the role they played in this country’s history, and learn about other prominent figures interred here, including former presidents and prize-winning writers.
The cemetery is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm (until 6 pm during daylight saving time). Tours run between Monday and Saturday, from April to October. Tours start at 10 am and depart from the main entrance on Cherry Street. Maps are available from the Visitor’s Centre if you want to explore independently. Free parking is available on site. Alternatively, buses stop nearby.
