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Magnolia Cemetery: A City of the Dead

Explore Mobile's history at Magnolia Cemetery, a 120-acre outdoor museum showcasing Victorian funerary art and the stories of the city's past.

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Magnolia Cemetery in Mobile, Alabama, is a historic cemetery established in 1836. Spanning over 120 acres, it is the final resting place for over 80,000 individuals, including notable figures from Mobile's past. The cemetery showcases elaborate Victorian-era monuments and serene landscapes, offering a unique glimpse into the city's history and culture.

A brief summary to Magnolia Cemetery

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the cemetery spans over 120 acres and involves a good amount of walking.
  • Bring water, especially during warmer months, as there are limited facilities within the cemetery.
  • Consider taking a guided tour offered by the Friends of Magnolia Cemetery for a deeper understanding of the cemetery's history and notable interments.
  • Check the Friends of Magnolia Cemetery website for information on special events, such as the "Whispers of Magnolia" wagon tours.
  • Be respectful of the cemetery's grounds and monuments, and avoid disturbing any grave sites.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Mobile, walking to Magnolia Cemetery is possible but will take approximately 30-40 minutes. Head west on Government Street, turn left onto Ann Street, and then turn right onto Virginia Street. Continue walking east on Virginia Street until you reach the cemetery entrance on your left. Be aware of traffic and pedestrian safety.

  • Public Transport

    The Wave Transit System, Mobile's public transportation, has bus routes that serve the general vicinity of Magnolia Cemetery. Check the Wave Transit System website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From the nearest bus stop on Ann Street, it's a short walk east on Virginia Street to the cemetery entrance. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Mobile. Request a ride to 1202 Virginia St, Mobile, AL 36604. A ride from downtown Mobile will typically cost between $8 and $12, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Driving

    If driving from downtown Mobile, head west on Government Street. Turn left onto Ann Street, then turn right onto Virginia Street. The main entrance to Magnolia Cemetery will be on your left. Limited street parking is available along Virginia Street. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Magnolia Cemetery

Magnolia Cemetery, located in the heart of Mobile, Alabama, is a sprawling and historic necropolis that offers a poignant journey through the city's past. Established in 1836 as Mobile's New Burial Ground, it officially became Magnolia Cemetery in 1867. Today, it encompasses over 120 acres and contains approximately 80,000 grave sites. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1986, Magnolia Cemetery is more than just a burial ground; it's an outdoor museum of funerary art. Visitors can admire a breathtaking array of sculptures, from mournful angels and ornate urns to anchors, lambs, and crosses, each symbolizing hope, mercy, forgiveness, and remembrance. The epitaphs, often graceful and eloquent, offer glimpses into a more devout age. The cemetery's layout reflects the social fabric of 19th-century Mobile, with sections dedicated to Confederate soldiers (Confederate Rest), veterans from various wars (Mobile National Cemetery), and members of Mobile's Jewish congregations (Jewish Rest). The Jewish Rest section, also known as the Old Hebrew Burial Ground, is the oldest Jewish burial ground in Alabama. The cemetery served as Mobile's primary burial place throughout the 19th century, a period marked by yellow fever epidemics and the Civil War. Mass burials, particularly during the yellow fever outbreaks, resulted in many undocumented interments, adding an element of mystery to the cemetery's history. Notable figures buried here include Confederate General Braxton Bragg, Battle House Hotel owner James Battle, and Civil War authoress Augusta Evans Wilson. Today, Magnolia Cemetery is cared for by the Friends of Magnolia Cemetery, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and restoring this historic landmark.

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