Graceland Cemetery Entrance

Hello and welcome to Graceland Cemetery; a place nicknamed ‘Cemetery of Architects’ for the heap of famous builders buried within. But because Graceland is not only an older cemetery – it was opened in 1860 before the American Civil War – but a non-denominational cemetery for all people, the stories that are hidden underfoot are from all walks of life.. or death. Here we encounter the rich and the poor, the famous and the infamous. Here they all have one thing in common – they were all Chicagoans.

But quick, act casual. You’ve got your headphones in, don’t you? They’ll never know what I’m whispering to you, then, will they? Good. This is the Graceland Cemetery Audio Tour by Exhumus and I am your guide, Mitch. This is a big place and it’s easy to get turned around. I’m going to help you find many of my favorite sites today. Our tour will last at least an hour and take us about one and a half miles, but travel as leisurely as you choose. As far as getting you around goes, simply follow my directions to find the sites and use the map. Think of it like a scavenger hunt. Shall we begin?

The cemetery before you is one of the largest and most visited cemeteries in Chicago and in fact, it’s one of the top cemeteries in the country. A few aspects give it this distinction; one is the famous architects and people who are buried here but another is the landscape architecture. When Graceland was first opened, it was not common for cemeteries to look this way, with free flowing hills, multitudes of tress, and curved winding roadways. Graceland was a notable break-away from the New England and European burial traditions and it helped establish a landscape that was beautiful and unique to the mid-west. All these winding roads and curves make Graceland, according to horticulturist Wilhelm Miller in 1915, “perhaps the most famous example of landscape gardening designed by a Western man.” Graceland helped introduce the ‘Prairie School of Architecture’ that influenced the designs of parks and college campuses throughout the United States.

When you enter the red granite cemetery gate you find the waiting room to your left and the office & visitor center to the right. You can find maps and information on other tours inside. There are many famous tombs that we don’t cover on this tour, so check there if you want to learn more. Have a look around and when you’re ready to move forward, play the next track.