How to Tour Historic Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis

Established in the early 1850's, Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis Tennessee is a traditional garden cemetery with rolling hills, ancient trees and breathtaking monuments. Want to meet the founding fathers of the area? This is the place to come. This sacred place includes the remains of civil war soldiers, famous historians, teachers and a monument to one of the biggest maritime disasters of the 1800's. Come and see for yourself.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Start your tour with a stop at the visitors center and offices held in a beautiful Victorian Gothic Carpenter Cottage. Built in 1866 this is the only example of Victorian Gothic Carpenter Architecture in Memphis.
2. There are veterans of every war including the revolutionary war here at Elmwood. You'll find over 1,000 confederate soldiers in the "confederate rest" section of the cemetery which is marked by a memorial obelisk. While there be sure to look for the grave of Lt. George W. Lee who one of the first African-American officers to serve in WWI. You'll also find Hazel Jackson Lee who was a charter member of the Women's Army Corps (WACS) during WWII!
3. Many Americans became familiar with the beautiful southern voice of Shelby Foote during the PBS broadcast of "The Civil War" series. A well-known historian of the Civil War, he joined his brethren here at Elmwood in 2005.
4. One of the most powerful Mayors in Memphis' history, Mayor Crump is buried here at Elmwood. You'll easily find his large memorial here on the grounds.
5. Boyne monument Professor Boyne is memorialized here with this unique bronze statue. Untied shoes and a mis-buttoned sweater are just a few of the details that make this statue interesting and the man must have been as well. A teacher at the university he is remembered here at Elmwood.
6. Finally, be sure to stop by the recently erected memorial for the Sultana. This great ship is said to have exploded on the Mississippi on the 1800's and resulted in the loss of over 1700 souls. 1500 of those that perished were Union soldiers returning home.

Tips & Warnings

• Get good directions when visiting. The cemetery is off the main road and down an old narrow road.