What is Cave Hill Cemetery, and what are its primary characteristics?

Cave Hill Cemetery is a 296-acre (1.20 km²) Victorian era National Cemetery and arboretum located in Louisville, Kentucky. It is recognized as the largest cemetery in Louisville by both area and the number of burials it contains.

Where are the main entrances to Cave Hill Cemetery located?

The primary entrance to Cave Hill Cemetery is situated on Baxter Avenue, which the cemetery refers to as the "Broadway Entrance." A secondary public entrance is located on Grinstead Drive.

When was Cave Hill Cemetery listed on the National Register of Historic Places?

Cave Hill Cemetery was initially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Additionally, the specific area designated as Cave Hill National Cemetery, which contains military graves, was added to the National Register in 1998.

What was the historical background of the land that became Cave Hill Cemetery?

The land was originally part of William Johnston's Cave Hill Farm. Johnston, who died in 1798, had constructed the first brick house in Louisville on this property around 1788. In the 1830s, city officials had purchased a portion of the land with plans for a railroad, though the railroad was eventually built elsewhere, and the land was leased to local farmers.

How did the concept of a rural or garden-style cemetery influence the development of Cave Hill?

In 1846, Mayor Frederick A. Kaye began exploring the idea of developing a rural or garden-style cemetery on the grounds. Although initially not planned as such, the vision changed when civil engineer Edmund Francis Lee recognized the undulating terrain as perfectly suited for the picturesque landscaping characteristic of the rural aesthetic.

When was Cave Hill Cemetery officially chartered and dedicated?

The Cave Hill Cemetery Company was chartered in February 1848, and the cemetery was formally dedicated on July 25, 1848. Reverend Doctor Edward Porter Humphrey delivered the dedicatory address, emphasizing the garden cemetery concept.

What role did garden cemeteries like Cave Hill play in urban environments before the development of public parks?

Before the widespread establishment of large municipal parks, garden cemeteries often served as important green spaces within cities. They were promoted not only as final resting places but also as serene oases and destinations for recreation, offering residents a connection to nature and beauty.

How did Cave Hill Cemetery accommodate burials during the American Civil War?

During the Civil War, Cave Hill Cemetery sold several acres of its land for the burial of Union soldiers. In response, local Confederate supporters acquired adjacent land. The cemetery also became a burial site for deceased patients from nearby army medical facilities, including Brown General Hospital.

What happened to William Johnston's original farmhouse on the cemetery grounds?

William Johnston's farmhouse, located in what is now sections 33 and 34 of the cemetery, was repurposed as the city's pesthouse. It was subsequently demolished in 1872. A structure called Beechhurst Sanitarium was built nearby in the same year and was later torn down in 1936.

Describe the architectural style and construction date of the main entrance lodge and gates at Cave Hill Cemetery.

The entrance lodge and main gates at Cave Hill Cemetery were designed by Louisville architect William H. Reddin and completed in 1880. They were constructed in the Italian Renaissance Revival architectural style.

How were the grounds of Cave Hill Cemetery expanded, and what security measure was implemented in the 1980s?

The cemetery grounds were expanded and remapped in 1888 to reach their current size of nearly 300 acres. In the 1980s, razor wire was added to the surrounding brick walls to deter unauthorized after-hours visitors.

When was the first scenic overlook established at Cave Hill Cemetery, and what is its name?

The first scenic overlook at Cave Hill Cemetery, named the Twin Lakes Scenic Overlook, was opened to the public on August 20, 2008.

What are the key features of the Baxter Avenue entrance to Cave Hill Cemetery?

The Baxter Avenue entrance, known by the cemetery as the "Broadway Entrance," was completed in 1892. The building is designed in the Corinthian style and features a 2,000-pound bell within its clock tower. This tower, once the tallest structure in the vicinity, underwent renovation in 2001 after frequent lightning strikes.

When were the Grinstead Drive and Payne Street entrances to Cave Hill Cemetery constructed, and what is their current status?

The Grinstead Drive entrance was built in 1913. The entrance on Payne Street, which was the closest to the military sections, was built in 1910 but is no longer in use. A third public entrance on Dearing Court was also closed as of 2007.

Besides the entrances, what other notable buildings are located within Cave Hill Cemetery?

Within Cave Hill Cemetery, there is a stone office building situated near the lake. Additionally, the Rustic Shelter House, built in 1892 for $565, is another significant structure on the grounds.

What military figures are commemorated by monuments within Cave Hill Cemetery?

Cave Hill Cemetery contains the monuments and graves of three Union army generals. The 32nd Indiana Monument, also known as the August Bloedner Monument, is specifically listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

How does Beargrass Creek flow through Cave Hill Cemetery, and what is its relationship to the cemetery's name?

The middle fork of Beargrass Creek runs through Cave Hill Cemetery, with a stream flowing into it that roughly divides the cemetery into its older western and newer eastern sections. This stream originates from a spring near the cave that gave the property its name.

What is known about the cave that gives Cave Hill Cemetery its name?

The cave, which is the origin of the property's name, can be entered for approximately 30 feet, with limited crawl space beyond. However, the cave is officially off-limits to the public.

What is the extent of plant diversity within Cave Hill Cemetery, and how is it recognized?

Cave Hill Cemetery is home to over 500 species of trees and shrubs, including numerous native and exotic varieties. It features about two dozen current state champion trees and is officially recognized as an arboretum, highlighting its significant botanical collection.

What is the approximate number of interments in Cave Hill Cemetery, and how much burial space remained as of 2002?

As of 2002, approximately 120,000 people had been interred in Cave Hill Cemetery, with space available for an additional 22,000 graves.

Who is the most historically significant figure interred at Cave Hill Cemetery, recognized as a founder of Louisville?

George Rogers Clark, an American Revolutionary War military officer and the founder of Louisville, is interred at Cave Hill Cemetery. He lived from 1752 to 1818.

What is the significance of Section 'O' in Cave Hill Cemetery regarding Confederate burials?

Section 'O' in Cave Hill Cemetery is the burial site for over 200 Confederate soldiers, with an additional 30 to 40 buried in a row near the National Cemetery. Originally marked with wooden headstones, these were replaced with stone markers between 1880 and 1881. The area is marked with a Confederate flag and includes the graves of residents from the Kentucky Confederate Home.

Which Confederate general is buried in Section 'O' of Cave Hill Cemetery, and are there others elsewhere?

Brigadier General Alpheus Baker is buried in Section 'O' of Cave Hill Cemetery. Additionally, two other Confederate generals are interred in different locations within the cemetery.

What is notable about the British war grave found within Cave Hill Cemetery?

Within the U.S. Soldiers plot in Section E, there is a single British war grave belonging to a soldier of the Machine Gun Corps. This soldier was part of the British Military Mission to the United States and died in 1918.

Besides George Rogers Clark, name at least five other notable individuals interred at Cave Hill Cemetery.

Notable individuals interred at Cave Hill Cemetery include: Mary Ann Xantippe "Tip" Saunders (portrait painter and Mark Twain's cousin), Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill (composers of the "Happy Birthday" song), Muhammad Ali (boxing champion), Colonel Harland Sanders (founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken), Margaret Weissinger Castleman (American suffragist), Mia Zapata (lead singer of The Gits), and Paul Hornung (Heisman Trophy winner and Green Bay Packer).

What specific monuments are highlighted in the gallery section of the article related to military interments?

The gallery section features images of the Union Monument in Louisville, a plaque quoting the poem "Bivouac of the Dead," and the 32nd Indiana Monument, also known as the August Bloedner Monument.

What related historical sites or topics concerning Louisville are mentioned in the 'See also' section?

The 'See also' section lists related topics such as Eastern Cemetery (Louisville), the History of Louisville, Kentucky, attractions and events in the Louisville metropolitan area, botanical gardens in the United States, burial places of U.S. Supreme Court justices, mayors of Louisville, Louisville in the American Civil War, and National Register of Historic Places listings in The Highlands, Louisville, Kentucky.

What book is recommended for further reading on Cave Hill Cemetery's history and appearance?

For further reading, Samuel W. Thomas's book, *Cave Hill Cemetery: A Pictorial Guide and Its History*, published by the Cave Hill Cemetery Company in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1985, is recommended.

What online resource is suggested for information on political figures buried in Jefferson County, Kentucky?

The Political Graveyard website is recommended for information on political figures buried in Jefferson County, Kentucky, with a specific link provided for that region.

Where can one find the official website for Cave Hill Cemetery?

The official website for Cave Hill Cemetery can be accessed at cavehillcemetery.com.

What online platforms are available for researching specific burials or historical details about Cave Hill Cemetery?

Several online resources are provided for researching burials and historical details, including links to Find a Grave for both Cave Hill Cemetery and Cave Hill National Cemetery, as well as archived links specifically detailing Confederate burials.

What is the significance of the Smyser Memorial mentioned in the article's image captions?

The Smyser Memorial is depicted in an image within the article, indicating it is a notable monument located within Cave Hill Cemetery.

What famous figure's gravesite is shown in an image within the article?

An image caption identifies the gravesite of Colonel Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, as being located within Cave Hill Cemetery.

What prominent historical figure's gravestone and marker are featured in the article's gallery?

The gallery section includes images of the gravestone and marker for George Rogers Clark, the founder of Louisville and a Revolutionary War officer.

What is the "Bivouac of the Dead" plaque mentioned in the gallery?

The gallery section includes an image of a plaque quoting the poem "Bivouac of the Dead," suggesting its presence within Cave Hill National Cemetery.

What is the "Union Monument in Louisville" depicted in the gallery?

The gallery section features an image of the Union Monument located in Cave Hill National Cemetery, likely commemorating Union soldiers buried there.

What architectural styles are associated with Cave Hill Cemetery?

Cave Hill Cemetery is noted for its Victorian era design, and specific structures like the entrance lodge and gates are in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, while the Baxter Avenue entrance building is described as Corinthian-style.

How many man-made lakes are present within the grounds of Cave Hill Cemetery?

There are five man-made lakes located within the grounds of Cave Hill Cemetery.

What is the approximate area of Cave Hill Cemetery in square kilometers?

Cave Hill Cemetery covers an area of approximately 1.20 square kilometers.

What is the significance of the 'Bivouac of the Dead' poem in relation to Cave Hill National Cemetery?

A plaque quoting the poem 'Bivouac of the Dead' is featured in the gallery of Cave Hill National Cemetery, suggesting a connection or memorial related to the poem within the military section of the cemetery.

What is the purpose of the 'Authority control' section at the end of the article?

The 'Authority control' section provides links to various databases (like VIAF, Library of Congress, BGCI, Yale LUX) that catalog and manage information about Cave Hill Cemetery, helping to ensure consistency and provide standardized references.

What is the significance of the 'National Cemetery' designation for Cave Hill?

The designation 'National Cemetery' indicates that Cave Hill Cemetery includes a section specifically dedicated to the burial of military personnel, and this section was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

What types of trees and shrubs are found in Cave Hill Cemetery, and how many state champion trees does it contain?

Cave Hill Cemetery features more than 500 species of trees and shrubs, including approximately two dozen current state champion trees, encompassing both native species like the pignut hickory and exotic species such as the Caucasian wingnut.

What was the role of the Louisville Daily Courier in promoting the concept of Cave Hill Cemetery?

Leading up to the formal dedication of Cave Hill Cemetery in 1848, the Louisville Daily Courier published multiple articles praising rural cemeteries, promoting the idea of Cave Hill as a beautiful recreational space and green oasis for the city's residents.

When was the Rustic Shelter House built within Cave Hill Cemetery, and what was its cost?

The Rustic Shelter House was built in 1892 at a cost of $565.

What is the significance of the 'National Register of Historic Places' listing for Cave Hill Cemetery?

The listing on the National Register of Historic Places signifies that Cave Hill Cemetery is recognized for its historical and architectural significance at a national level, preserving its heritage for future generations.

What is the approximate size of Cave Hill Cemetery in acres?

Cave Hill Cemetery encompasses approximately 296 acres.

What architectural styles are mentioned in relation to Cave Hill Cemetery's structures?

The cemetery itself is described as Victorian era. Specific structures include the entrance lodge and gates in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, and the Baxter Avenue entrance building is noted as Corinthian-style.

What is the purpose of the 'More citations needed' notice at the beginning of the article?

The 'More citations needed' notice indicates that the article requires additional references from reliable sources to verify the information presented. It encourages readers or editors to add citations to improve the article's verifiability.

Cave Hill Cemetery Wiki: Legacy in Stone: An Exploration of Cave Hill Cemetery

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Overview

A Historic Sanctuary

Cave Hill Cemetery, established in 1848, is a significant 296-acre (1.20 km²) Victorian-era National Cemetery and arboretum located in Louisville, Kentucky. It stands as the largest cemetery in the city by area and number of burials, offering a unique blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and architectural heritage.

National Recognition

Recognized for its historical importance, Cave Hill Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The adjacent Cave Hill National Cemetery, containing military graves, was added to the Register in 1998, underscoring its role in preserving national memory.

An Urban Arboretum

Beyond its function as a final resting place, Cave Hill is a designated arboretum, meticulously curated with over 500 species of trees and shrubs. It features numerous state champion trees, making it a vital green space and a living testament to botanical diversity within an urban landscape.

Historical Context

Founding Vision

Chartered in 1848 on the former grounds of William Johnston's farm, Cave Hill was conceived as a garden-style cemetery. Civil engineer Edmund Francis Lee recognized the site's undulating topography as ideal for the popular rural cemetery aesthetic, transforming it into a serene landscape intended as both a memorial and a public oasis.

Civil War Significance

During the American Civil War, Cave Hill played a crucial role by providing burial grounds for Union soldiers. Subsequently, local Confederate supporters purchased adjacent land, leading to the internment of soldiers from both sides of the conflict, reflecting the divided loyalties within the region.

Architectural Evolution

The cemetery's iconic Corinthian-style entrance lodge and main gates, designed by William H. Reddin, were completed in 1880. The grounds were expanded to their current size of nearly 300 acres in 1888, solidifying its status as a major historical and architectural landmark.

Landscape and Structures

Entrances and Buildings

The cemetery features several entrances, most notably the grand Baxter Avenue entrance (1892) with its distinctive clock tower and bell, and the Grinstead Drive entrance (1913). Other structures include the stone office building and the historic Rustic Shelter House, contributing to the site's architectural character.

Water Features and Natural Formations

The middle fork of Beargrass Creek traverses the cemetery, with a spring-fed stream originating from a cave that gave the property its name. This natural water source, along with five man-made lakes, enhances the cemetery's serene and picturesque landscape.

Location and Coordinates

Cave Hill Cemetery is situated at 701 Baxter Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 38.2456° N latitude and 85.7161° W longitude, placing it within a significant urban historical context.

The Arboretum

Botanical Diversity

Cave Hill Cemetery is recognized as a significant arboretum, housing an impressive collection of over 500 species of trees and shrubs. This diverse flora includes numerous native Kentucky species and notable exotic varieties, several of which hold state champion status.

Champion Trees

The arboretum boasts a remarkable number of state champion trees, representing the largest or most significant specimens of their species within Kentucky. These include native species like the pignut hickory (Carya glabra) and exotics such as the Caucasian wingnut (Pterocarya fraxinifolia).

Notable Interments

Historical Figures

Cave Hill Cemetery is the final resting place for numerous influential figures. Among the most prominent is George Rogers Clark, the military officer and founder of Louisville. The cemetery also holds the graves of over 200 Confederate soldiers, including Brigadier General Alpheus Baker, and a British soldier from World War I.

Cultural Icons

The cemetery is also the resting place for several beloved cultural and sports figures. This includes Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxing champion; Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken; Heisman Trophy winner Paul Hornung; and Mia Zapata, lead singer of the punk band The Gits.

Innovators and Advocates

Notable individuals in education and social movements are also interred here, such as Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill, the sisters credited with composing the song "Happy Birthday." American suffragist Margaret Weissinger Castleman is also among the distinguished interments.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Cave Hill Cemetery Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research, genealogical services, legal consultation, or any other specialized advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific needs related to historical research, property, or legal matters.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Legacy in Stone

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🏛️ A Historic Sanctuary

📜 National Recognition

🌳 An Urban Arboretum

Historical Context ⏳

🏗️ Founding Vision

⚔️ Civil War Significance

🏛️ Architectural Evolution

Landscape and Structures 🏞️

🚪 Entrances and Buildings

💧 Water Features and Natural Formations

📍 Location and Coordinates

The Arboretum 🌿

🌲 Botanical Diversity

🏆 Champion Trees

Notable Interments 👤

⭐ Historical Figures

🌟 Cultural Icons

💡 Innovators and Advocates

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A Historic Sanctuary

National Recognition

An Urban Arboretum

Historical Context

Founding Vision

Civil War Significance

Architectural Evolution

Landscape and Structures

Entrances and Buildings

Water Features and Natural Formations

Location and Coordinates

The Arboretum

Botanical Diversity

Champion Trees

Notable Interments

Historical Figures

Cultural Icons

Innovators and Advocates

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice