The Origins of Cemeteries as Public Parks
In the 19th century, many Americans living in up-and-coming cities and towns oftentimes found themselves strolling through the winding paths of curated gardens, stopping to rest under the shade of a tree and share a picnic with family and friends. Dotted across the grassy areas were headstones, marking the burial locations of those who were laid to rest. While the concept of relaxing in a graveyard seems a bit taboo in the present day, it was sometimes the only option for people to find space for recreation and leisure and was one of the earliest examples of a public park. Many of the parks we have today were actually caused by the evolution and planning of historic cemeteries.
![The Origins of Cemeteries as Public Parks](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/63aa/2bad/6c62/574a/067d/33cc/medium_jpg/the-origins-of-cemeteries-as-public-parks_4.jpg?1672096690#)
![San Cataldo Cemetery / Aldo Rossi. Image © Laurian Ghinitoiu San Cataldo Cemetery / Aldo Rossi. Image © Laurian Ghinitoiu](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/63aa/2bad/6c62/574a/067d/33cc/medium_jpg/the-origins-of-cemeteries-as-public-parks_4.jpg?1672096690)
In the 19th century, many Americans living in up-and-coming cities and towns oftentimes found themselves strolling through the winding paths of curated gardens, stopping to rest under the shade of a tree and share a picnic with family and friends. Dotted across the grassy areas were headstones, marking the burial locations of those who were laid to rest. While the concept of relaxing in a graveyard seems a bit taboo in the present day, it was sometimes the only option for people to find space for recreation and leisure and was one of the earliest examples of a public park. Many of the parks we have today were actually caused by the evolution and planning of historic cemeteries.