The Woodlands Cemetery Company of Philadelphia was founded in 1840 with the stated goal that “the beautiful landscape and scenery of that situation [Hamilton’s estate] may be perpetually preserved,” rescuing the site from imminent industrial use and the later residential development of West Philadelphia’s “streetcar suburb.” Hamilton’s cultivated landscape was transformed into a “rural cemetery,” with winding carriage-ways and highly individualized monuments. Thousands of evergreens were planted among existing species to enhance the setting. Today’s landscape is a virtual arboretum that includes over 1,000 trees, with fifteen that qualify for State Champion status.

Woodlands Cemetery became a favorite destination for Victorian outings. Today it continues to be visited as a green space and as a resting place for over 30,000 people, including many of the city and region’s notable families and most accomplished individuals. Among them are architect Paul Philippe Cret (1876-1945), financier Francis Martin Drexel (1792-1863), artist Thomas Eakins (1844-1916), abolitionist Mary Grew (1813-96), surgeon Samuel Gross (1805-84), and Commodore David Porter (1780-1843). You can learn more about The Woodlands and its history by visiting www.woodlandsphila.org.

The Woodlands Cemetery remains active today, offering a wide array of burial options in a convenient location, just minutes away from Center City Philadelphia and adjacent to the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University and University of the Sciences. The Woodlands’ National Historic Landmark District status protects it from future development ensuring a perpetual resting place for families in the region.

Due to the Cemetery's historic status and limited availability, only 30 spaces are reserved for sale each year. Review our current burial options and please contact us if you wish to learn more about purchasing spaces at The Woodlands.