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Maple Hill Cemetery: Huntsville's Historic Resting Place

Explore Huntsville's past at Maple Hill Cemetery, a historic landmark with over 80,000 graves, notable figures, and captivating stories.

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Maple Hill Cemetery, established in 1822, is the oldest and largest cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama, spanning nearly 100 acres and holding over 80,000 graves. It serves as the final resting place for notable figures who shaped the city and state, offering a glimpse into the region's history.

A brief summary to Maple Hill Cemetery

  • Monday 7 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-4 pm
  • Friday 7 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the cemetery spans nearly 100 acres and involves a good amount of walking.
  • Visit during the annual Cemetery Stroll to see costumed interpreters bring Huntsville's history to life.
  • Bring water, especially during warmer months, as there are limited facilities within the cemetery.
  • Consider visiting the Confederate section to learn about the soldiers buried there.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the heart of downtown Huntsville, such as the Madison County Courthouse, Maple Hill Cemetery is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Head east on Eastside Square toward Washington Street, then turn right onto Washington Street. Continue onto Wells Avenue, and you'll see the cemetery entrance on your left, marked by a stone wall at the intersection of Wells Avenue and England Street. This entrance is near the Confederate section. There are no fees associated with walking to the cemetery.

  • Public Transport

    Huntsville's Orbit bus system has several routes that serve the downtown area. Check the Huntsville Transit website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From a downtown bus stop, such as the Huntsville Transit Center, take a bus that travels along either California Street or near the intersection of California Street and McClung Avenue. From there, it's a short walk to the cemetery entrance at 203 Maple Hill Drive (at California St. and McClung Ave.). A single ride on the Orbit bus costs $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in downtown Huntsville, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) to Maple Hill Cemetery will typically cost between $8 and $12, depending on traffic and surge pricing. Specify '202 Maple Hill St SE' or 'intersection of Wells Avenue and England Street' as your destination, depending on which entrance you prefer. Keep in mind that using the Wells Avenue entrance will place you closer to the Confederate section.

  • Driving

    From downtown Huntsville, drive east on Governors Drive. Turn left onto Maple Hill Street SE. The main entrance to the cemetery will be on your right at 202 Maple Hill St SE. Limited parking is available inside the cemetery. Alternatively, for the Wells Avenue entrance (closer to the Confederate section), from downtown, take Washington Street to Wells Avenue. Free parking is available along the stone wall on the south side of Wells Avenue, near the intersection with England Street. There are no parking fees.

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Discover more about Maple Hill Cemetery

Maple Hill Cemetery, located just east of downtown Huntsville, Alabama, is a significant landmark and a repository of the city's rich history. Established in 1822 on land purchased from LeRoy Pope, the cemetery has grown to encompass nearly 100 acres and contains over 80,000 burials. It is the oldest and largest cemetery in Huntsville. The cemetery provides a unique glimpse into the lives and legacies of those who shaped Huntsville and Alabama. Among those interred are five Alabama governors, five U.S. Senators, ten U.S. Congressmen, and numerous other figures of local, state, and national note. Notable burials include Alabama governors Thomas Bibb, Clement Comer Clay, and Reuben Chapman, as well as U.S. Senators John Williams Walker and John J. Sparkman. Other prominent figures include LeRoy Pope, Priscilla Holmes Drake (a women's suffragist), Albert Russel Erskine (president of Studebaker Motors), and baseball player Don Mincher. During the Civil War, Maple Hill Cemetery became the burial site of 187 unknown Confederate soldiers and an uncertain number of Union soldiers. Many of the Confederate soldiers died of disease or accidents while training in camps near Huntsville. The Huntsville Pilgrimage Association hosts a "Cemetery Stroll" annually, featuring costumed characters who bring the stories of the deceased to life. This event and guided tours provide insights into the lives of those buried in the cemetery and the historical events that shaped their lives.

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