The Green-Wood Cemetery
The entry gate at The Green-Wood
The Green-Wood Cemetery contains multitudes, literally and figuratively. The final resting place for the melting pot of New York, a famous battle field and a gorgeous hilltop park all describe this Brooklyn historic landmark.
On a recent flawless May day, I made the trek out to the outer reaches of Park Slope. An hike from the subway, the cemetery is 478 acres with more than half a million “permanent residents.” Founded in 1838, The Green-Wood has recently renovated and opened a visitor center that sits in an old florist shop across from the main entrance. There one can find notable gravesites, history of the planning and inception and details of one of the first major battles of the American Revolutionary War.
Inside the cemetery, atop Battle Hill, one can see New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty returning the hail of the Minerva statue that sits atop the battleground. Close by is the grave of composer Leonard Bernstein.
Wandering the park is oddly peaceful. The park, which has over 700 species of trees, is well-maintained and keenly attuned to ecological practices that will maintain it for the next century.
The Green-Wood Cemetery is still the site of funerals, as well as events, lectures in the greehouse and guided tours.
