The Evolution of Cemeteries
Pre-1800s
Private Plots, Churchyards, Town Commons, or Municipal Burial Grounds
1804
Grave robbing became very common
1831
Mt. Auburn Cemetery was established as the first rural cemetery in the U.S. It became the birthplace of landscape architecture, America’s first public park, and a model for future cemeteries.
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The garden cemetery movement spread, leading to the creation of Laurel Hill Cemetery, Spring Grove Cemetery, and Green Mount Cemetery. These cemeteries doubled as parks and public green spaces.
1832- 1840s
Rural cemeteries saw a surge in popularity. The need for outdoor spaces grew as cities expanded.
Late 1800s
1825
Harvard Professor Jacob Bigelow proposed a new cemetery model—a large, landscaped burial ground on the outskirts of town, designed to also function as a nature preserve
Mid-to-Late 1900s
Suburban expansion and increasing land values pushed cemeteries further from city centers. Traditional burial practices became more expensive, and cremation slowly gained popularity as a cost-effective and space-saving alternative.
Early to Mid-1900s
The rise of public parks and recreational areas reduced cemeteries' role as social spaces. Urban cemeteries became more regulated, with strict zoning laws limiting their functionality. The funeral industry also became more commercialized, shifting burials to private memorial parks and funeral homes
Cemeteries began facing land shortages, leading to a rise in cremation as an alternative.
1993 - 2000s
Mt. Auburn Cemetery transitioned into a natural cemetery, eliminating marked graves, and focusing on conservation.
2014
2020 - 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic saw cemeteries become places of solace, with a record half-million visitors using them as quiet, outdoor retreats from urban life.
Current Use
Today, cemeteries can serve a variety of functions beyond traditional burials. Many urban cemeteries are underutilized, while others have adapted to modern needs. Some, like Mt. Auburn, integrate conservation efforts, while others allow for recreational activities such as walking, birdwatching, and historical tourism. The rise of digital memorials and smart cemetery technology has also changed how people interact with these spaces.
Next, explore what makes a space multifunctional.