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Maple Hill Cemetery, Huntsville Travel Guide

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Explore Huntsville's past among the historic headstones and monuments of Maple Hill Cemetery, a serene and storied landmark.

Maple Hill Cemetery, Huntsville's oldest and largest, is a sprawling historic burial ground dating back to 1822. It serves as the final resting place for Alabama governors, U.S. senators, and notable figures, offering a glimpse into the city's past.

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
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Maple Hill Cemetery.

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the cemetery grounds are extensive and involve a good amount of walking.
  • Pick up a map at the entrance or download a virtual tour to help navigate the cemetery and locate specific graves.
  • Check the Huntsville Pilgrimage Association's website for information on guided tours and special events, such as the Cemetery Stroll.
  • Visit during the spring or fall to enjoy the beautiful colors and avoid the summer heat.
  • Consider entering through the Wells Avenue entrance to easily access the Confederate section.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Huntsville (e.g., Madison County Courthouse), Maple Hill Cemetery is about a 15-20 minute walk. Head east on Eastside Square toward Washington Street, then turn right onto Washington Street. Continue onto Wells Avenue. The cemetery entrance is on your left, marked by a stone wall at the intersection of Wells Avenue and England Street. This entrance provides access to the Confederate section. Parking along the stone wall on Wells Avenue is free.

  • Public Transport

    Huntsville's Orbit bus system serves the downtown area. From the Huntsville Transit Center, take a bus that travels along 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. Check the Huntsville Transit website or app for current route information.

  • Driving

    From downtown Huntsville, drive east on Governors Drive. Turn left onto Maple Hill Street SE. The main entrance to the cemetery is 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.

Discover more about Maple Hill Cemetery

Established in 1822, Maple Hill Cemetery spans nearly 100 acres and holds over 80,000 graves, making it the oldest and largest cemetery in Huntsville. Originally just two acres purchased from LeRoy Pope, the cemetery has grown to encompass a vast area reflecting Huntsville's expansion and history.Maple Hill is the final resting place of five Alabama governors, five U.S. Senators, ten U.S. Representatives, and numerous other figures who shaped the region and the nation. Notable burials include Thomas Bibb, Alabama's second governor, Clement Comer Clay, who served as governor, U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative, and LeRoy Pope, considered the 'Father of Huntsville'. The cemetery also contains the graves of Confederate and Union soldiers, a testament to the Civil War's impact on Huntsville.The cemetery's landscape features a mix of elaborate monuments, simple headstones, and family plots, reflecting changing burial customs and social hierarchies over time. The grounds also include sections consecrated for Hebrew and Catholic burials.Visitors can explore the cemetery's winding paths, discovering stories etched in stone and gaining insights into the lives of those who contributed to Huntsville's development. The Huntsville Pilgrimage Association hosts events and tours to help preserve and share the cemetery's rich history.
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