Hollywood Cemetery, named for the abundance of holly trees on the property, is a huge and often visited national cemetery located in Richmond City. Locals frequently walk or jog the paved paths for exercise and sightseeing, and history buffs come to visit the famous grave sites of presidents and noteworthy Americans. The cemetery is also the center of several urban legends such as the Richmond vampire and the black dog, and thrill seekers visit these spooky spots from time to time. Parking is available at the church at the top of the hill, which is generally considered the 'address' for Hollywood Cemetery, and some information about the cemetery is available there for visitors.
Parking and Public Transportation at Hollywood Cemetery
There is some parking available at the cemetery entrance on Cherry St. in the church lot. Cars are allowed inside the cemetery as well, so you may opt for a self guided driving tour instead. If you plan to participate in a walking, segway, or trolley tour, check the website ahead of time to find out where the tour will start and plan accordingly.
Must See and Do at Hollywood Cemetery
Hollywood Cemetery is home to the final resting places of President James Monroe, President John Tyler, and President of the Confederacy Jefferson Davis. A huge stone pyramid stands as a monument to dead Confederate soldiers. In addition to two US and one Confederate president, Hollywood Cemetery hosts the remains of six former Virginia governors, twenty two Confederate generals, two Supreme Court justices, thousands of Confederate soldiers, and a smattering of others important in specific fields of interest. The tomb of W. W. Poole is associated with the legend of The Richmond Vampire, and even the cemetery's website lists The Iron Dog as one of their landmarks, though they do not include the urban legend associated with it. It's advisable to download the map from their website before your visit.
Best and Worst Times to Go to Hollywood Cemetery
Since Hollywood Cemetery is huge, it's rare that you'll find yourself fighting a crowd. However, some areas are not fully shaded, so hot sunny days can be brutal if you choose to take a walk through the headstones. The best and most beautiful visits can be had on sunny mornings just after 8 a.m. in early summer before the heat becomes too intense. Hollywood Cemetery also offers guided tours and events, including Segway and Trolley Tours for those that aren't up to walking the distance amidst the rolling hills.
Admission to Hollywood Cemetery
There are no admission charges to Hollywood Cemetery, but you are welcome to make a donation towards preservation and restoration if you choose.
Other Places to Visit Near Hollywood Cemetery
The North Bank Trail runs past Hollywood Cemetery. It is a walking, jogging, and biking path that parallels the James River and is part of the James River Park System. A four minute drive will take you in range of a wide variety of restaurants and attractions including La Parisienne Bistro and Cafe, which offers contemporary French and Belgian cuisine.
Insider Tip for Visitors to Hollywood Cemetery
Download the map first, and find your way to the Palmer Chapel Mausoleum for a breathtaking view of the James River. Immediately to your right as you stand on the Mausoleum balcony, you'll be able to see a gently twisting train track that runs alongside the river and makes for a picturesque photo backdrop, or even just a nice place to sit and contemplate life for a while. The James River can also be viewed quite well from several other points in the cemetery, and a nice cool breeze comes up from the water in summertime, which is refreshing after the long walk to get there from the church on Cherry Street.
Author's bio: Kitty Lusby is an author and self proclaimed adventurer from the Richmond, Virginia area. She believes that travel is a necessity and does it as often as possible.