Discover Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a captivating destination transcending its role as a final resting place for notable figures. This sprawling 174-acre landscape offers a unique blend of recreational activities, including exceptional bird-watching in Cambridge, scenic hiking trails near Boston, and an insightful journey through the history of American landscape design. Whether you visit in the glorious colors of autumn, the vibrant bloom of spring, the lush greenery of summer, or the serene beauty of winter, this pioneering “rural” cemetery, a key inspiration for New York’s Central Park, welcomes the public year-round to explore its tranquil boulevards, discover nature among its memorials and chapels, and even follow animal tracks in this urban oasis.
Discovering the Wonders of Mount Auburn Cemetery: Nature, History, and Art
Navigating the expansive grounds of Mount Auburn Cemetery presents a delightful challenge: where to begin your exploration of this historic Cambridge landmark?
Natural Serenity: The Dell and Diverse Wildlife
Consider starting your visit at The Dell, a peaceful natural amphitheater nestled at the heart of Mount Auburn, offering a moment of quiet reflection. Nature enthusiasts will be enthralled by the cemetery’s remarkable biodiversity, home to over 700 species of trees and a vibrant array of wildlife. Notably, Mount Auburn is a renowned bird-watching spot near Boston, with over 224 different bird sightings recorded, making it a haven for ornithologists and casual observers alike, especially during the spring migration.
Architectural and Artistic Treasures: Memorials and Structures
Beyond its natural beauty, Mount Auburn Cemetery boasts some of the nation’s most compelling burial sculptures, reflecting evolving artistic styles and commemorating prominent individuals. The Egyptian Revival-style gate, an impressive structure from the early 19th century, still welcomes visitors today. While generally not open to the public, Bigelow Chapel is notable for its stunning stained glass windows. However, Story Chapel is an accessible visitor center, offering insights into the cemetery’s history and significance. For panoramic views of the Boston skyline, a climb up the 92-foot Washington Tower, designed by one of Mount Auburn’s founders, Dr. Jacob Bigelow, is highly recommended on a clear day.
The Visionary Founders and Landscape Design Legacy
Mount Auburn’s inception in 1831 was the vision of forward-thinking individuals, primarily associated with Harvard University and the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. They sought to create a new burial ground that integrated nature and tranquility into the interment experience. They drew inspiration from Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris and the landscaped grounds popular in 19th-century England. Dr. Jacob Bigelow, a physician and botanist who spearheaded the original design and is now buried within its grounds, envisioned an environment conducive to quiet contemplation.
A Source of Inspiration for American Landscape Architecture
Mount Auburn Cemetery‘s innovative design profoundly influenced the development of American landscape architecture. It was a direct inspiration for the design of New York’s Central Park, a masterpiece by Frederick Law Olmsted. However, surprisingly, there’s no definitive record of Olmsted himself visiting Mount Auburn despite living nearby. Andrew Jackson Downing, another pivotal figure often called the father of American landscape architecture, frequently referenced Mount Auburn in his work. The cemetery’s early emphasis on lining its contours with trees and shrubs to create open spaces laid the groundwork for the “rural cemetery” movement and its impact on urban park design.
A Historical Arboretum and Gathering Place for Intellectuals
Reflecting Dr. Bigelow’s passion for botany, Mount Auburn quickly evolved into an arboretum of international renown, attracting arborists and botanists worldwide. Even royalty, such as Edward, the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), participated in tree-planting ceremonies here. The cemetery also became a significant cultural and intellectual gathering place. Nathaniel Hawthorne contributed to its first visitor’s guide, Henry David Thoreau, who was known to visit during his Harvard years. Ralph Waldo Emerson frequently sought solace in its lush landscape even before its official establishment as a cemetery. The poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was later laid to rest in 1882, further cementing its place in American literary history.
A Modern-Day Sanctuary for Nature and Reflection
Carrying on the tradition of keen observation championed by figures like Thoreau, Mount Auburn boasts a dedicated and knowledgeable birding community today. The cemetery’s diverse tree population, ample food supply, and four serene ponds create an ideal habitat for migratory and resident birds, making it a crucial oasis within the urban landscape. Notably, America’s earliest ornithologists are buried here, alongside many famous 19th- and 20th-century figures, including abolitionist Charles Sumner and art collector Isabella Stewart Gardner. Welcoming an estimated 200,000 visitors annually, Mount Auburn continues to offer a unique space for peaceful reflection and connection with nature, a testament to the enduring vision of its founders. For those interested in exploring further, walking tours and events covering various aspects of Mount Auburn’s rich history, horticulture, and art occur regularly.
