Rock of Ages Blog

Famous cemeteries are hallowed destinations because of the remarkable monuments and memorials that honor those laid to rest. What makes these burial grounds so iconic? The magnificent granite sculptures that give them their gravitas are just the beginning. Some are renowned for their intricate Victorian-era headstones, others feature modern monuments that are shining examples of craftsmanship and commemorative art. Above all else these famous cemeteries commemorate the legacies left behind by those who have passed away. Whether through notable accomplishments, philanthropic endeavors, or simple acts of kindness, each person leaves an imprint on the world that reverberates through time. By reflecting on the lives of the departed, we can gain perspective on our values, aspirations, and the mark we hope to leave on future generations.  Let’s take a tour of these captivating final resting places and the stories held within their headstones.

Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, New York 

A visit to Buffalo, New York, would be incomplete without experiencing the timeless beauty of Forest Lawn Cemetery, located at 1990 Main Road, Buffalo, New York, 14208. Established in 1849 amidst the city's period of growth, this serene cemetery beckons visitors with its serene landscapes of rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and meandering creeks. With over 170 years of rich history, Forest Lawn Cemetery stands as a testament to the local heritage and a cherished cultural landmark, showcasing the achievements and contributions of the community. Recognized for its significance, the cemetery is distinguished in New York State and National Registers of Historic Places.

Today, Forest Lawn boasts a lush canopy of over 3,500 trees, representing a diverse array of 100 different species and varieties, transforming the cemetery into a cherished arboretum. The site also serves as a haven for wildlife, with more than 240 species of birds making it their home.

This ornate and custom-designed Blue Gray^TM granite mausoleum can be found within the grounds of Forest Lawn Cemetery.  Stone Art Memorial Co., of Lackawanna, New York, worked closely with the team at Rock of Ages to create this one-of-kind private mausoleum.

Among its storied monuments is the Blue Sky Mausoleum™, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This granite structure exemplifies Wright's "organic" architecture style, with its low horizontal lines mimicking the natural landscape. 

The mausoleum was originally intended to be crafted out of a “cream marble,” but durable BETHEL WHITE™ granite from Bethel, Vermont, was selected instead to withstand Buffalo's climate. The marble was deemed unsuitable for Buffalo’s extreme temperatures due to the risk of holding moisture and wearing away. When combined with a thermal finish, the BETHEL WHITE™ granite gained a soft “marble-esque” look while being durable enough to stand the test of time.

Forest Lawn has many notable mausoleums and headstones, so many so that the cemetery hosts a Sunday in the Cemetery trolly tour welcoming guests to enjoy all of the beauty and artistry that the cemetery has to offer the community.

Sewickley Cemetery, sewickley, pennslyvania

Established in 1860, Sewickley Cemetery, located at 501 Hopkins Street, Sewickley, PA 15143, holds a significant place in history, serving as the final resting place for over 12,000 loved ones. Its sprawling grounds offer a serene and culturally rich exploring environment, adorned with ornate gravestones and mausoleums that reflect various architectural styles and periods, providing a captivating glimpse into Western Pennsylvania's past. As you meander its winding paths, you'll encounter the final resting places of notable figures from the region's history, including industrialists, politicians, and cultural icons. Moreover, the cemetery's verdant greenery and tranquil atmosphere create an ideal quiet contemplation and reflection setting. With war memorials situated on the burial grounds, Sewickley Cemetery not only preserves the memories of the departed but also serves as a poignant reminder of the historical significance of the sacrifices made. Whether drawn to local history or architectural beauty or seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Sewickley Cemetery offers a compelling destination beyond its notable memorials worth discovering.

In Sewickley Cemetery stands a poignant tribute — the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial. Dedicated in 2013, this monument commemorates the bravery of the first African American military aviators, who helped secure victory in WWII as the Red Tails, the unit’s nickname. As the largest outdoor memorial of its kind, it commemorates the 100 Western Pennsylvania Tuskegee Airmen with a lasting tribute to their achievements in the face of prejudice.

Rome Monument of Rochester, Pennsylvania, collaborated closely with the team at Rock of Ages to design and construct this unique civic memorial.

As you wander through this solemn ground, may you find solace in the beauty of remembrance and the tranquility of the departed souls.

green-wood Cemetery, brooklyn, new york

Our tour of memorial grounds continues at the storied Green-Wood Cemetery, founded in 1838 as a peaceful rural cemetery for both the living and dead, located at 500 25th Street, Brooklyn New York, 11232. Beyond its striking Gothic Revival entrance gates lies a world of rolling hills, towering trees, and ornate memorials. Green-Wood harmoniously blends the beauty of nature, the artistry of carved monuments, and the richness of history. Inspired by the famed Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris and the Magnificent Seven Cemeteries in London, it became a Victorian-era destination for recreation and remembrance alike. 

Delve into the exquisite craftsmanship throughout its 478 acres, like the striking BLACK MIST™ granite memorial, quarried in Elverson, Pennsylvania. With its fine grain and saturated natural color, this dark stone creates an elegant monument without dyes. Its rich hue evokes an air of timeless mystery. Exploring Green-Wood Cemetery reveals exquisite memorial craftsmanship throughout, with sights like the McGovern Weir Greenhouse and the intriguing Tomb of Secrets showcasing artistry through architecture and stonework.

Project provided by Supreme Memorials of Brooklyn, New York.

Prepare to be in awe of the numerous custom-designed, elaborate architecture of private mausoleums at Green-Wood Cemetery. Another notable project is the skillful Pesce private mausoleum, made of the same BLUE GRAY™ granite. Constructed of exceptional quality and craftsmanship by Supreme Memorials and Rock of Ages, its graceful lines and understated beauty demonstrate the mastery of the stonecutters who crafted each piece, with precision to ensure that when assembled on-site at the cemetery the final structure fits together seamlessly. 

Cemeteries are akin to outdoor art galleries, where each gravestone tells a unique story through its design and inscription. Amidst the solemn ambiance, one can appreciate the diverse forms of artistic expression that commemorate lives once lived.

HOPE Cemetery, Barre, Vermont

Nestled in the Granite Capital of the World, is Hope Cemetery at 201 Maple Ave, Barre, Vermont, 05641.  Hope Cemetery was established in 1895 as a memorial to both the deceased and Barre's thriving granite industry. As immigrants flocked to this Vermont boomtown to carve out a living in the quarries, they left an enduring mark on the landscape with their craftsmanship. Their passion and skills are etched into over 10,000 graves, each meticulously carved from locally quarried BLUE GRAY™ granite.

As you wander the cemetery’s peaceful grounds designed by renowned landscape architect Edward P. Adams, the soulful artistry of these stone sculptures will move you.

You’ll encounter beautiful gravestones and intricately carved pieces that tell the stories of those who once shaped the granite with their own hands. From soaring obelisks to intricate Celtic crosses, these memorials are more than just headstones — they are enduring monuments to the European artisans who immigrated to Barre and passionately shaped this stone.

Remarkably, the occupants themselves designed 75% of these tributes, expressing their skills and stories in stone. Beyond names and dates, these memorials chronicle the rich heritage of granite workers who helped transform Barre into a turn-of-the-century boomtown. It’s more than a final resting place; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship.

The lifelike quality of Hope Cemetery's sculptures stems from the prized local stone used - coveted BLUE GRAY™ granite. With its fine grain, even texture, and weather resistance, this fine granite composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica is favored by artists worldwide. Once polished, the granite reveals its understated blue-gray hues and specks of shimmering mica.

While photographs cannot do justice to BLUE GRAY™ granite's dazzling sparkle in sunlight, you can experience its timeless beauty yourself with a visit to Barre. After you indulge in Hope Cemetery's rolling hills of unmatched stone artistry, visit Rock of Ages for a fascinating quarry tour, learn Vermont’s granite heritage at The Vermont Granite Museum, and explore local biking trails, to fully immerse yourself in this fascinating granite culture that shaped a community and its eternal residents.

• At the legendary Rock of Ages quarry, learn about the industry's history on a unique narrated, and guided tour of the active quarry site where they still to this day extract granite blocks. Gaze in awe at the expansive quarry where much of the granite for Hope's stunning memorials originated.
• Immerse yourself in the area's natural splendor at Millstone Hill trails. This network of trails winds through 1,500 acres of inactive granite quarry land that gave rise to Barre's memorial artisans. As you hike, bike, or ski miles of paths from beginner to expert, gaze at abandoned quarries and stunning vistas that showcase the region's cultural heritage and natural beauty. 
  

Read more about these stops in our Barre Getaway Guide, here.

As we conclude our tour through some of the world’s most iconic memorial grounds, one theme rings clear — cemeteries give voice to the essence of a community. The artwork, architecture, and heritage featured within each cemetery reveal the culture of those laid to rest and the times they lived in. These sanctuaries for the dead chronicle the stories of the living. Through sculpted monuments, architectural marvels, and natural beauty, cemeteries speak not just of individuals but of societies, values, and customs. As we stroll through history along these pathways, we come away with a deeper understanding of our shared human experience.

If this journey has sparked your interest in designing a family memorial we would like to offer you a direct link to our Headstone Design Guide for inspiration and guidance. And remember, when creating your family’s memorial, it's important to work with an Authorized Rock of Ages Dealer to ensure quality and craftsmanship.