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Magnolia Cemetery: Mobile's City of the Dead

Explore Mobile's history at Magnolia Cemetery, a serene landscape of Victorian funerary art and the final resting place of notable citizens.

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Spanning over 120 acres, Magnolia Cemetery in Mobile, Alabama, is a historic burial ground established in 1836. It showcases elaborate Victorian-era monuments and serves as the final resting place for notable figures who shaped the city's past.

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 poignant and picturesque journey through history. Established in 1836 as Mobile's New Burial Ground, it officially became Magnolia Cemetery in 1867. The cemetery has grown to encompass over 120 acres, holding the remains of more than 80,000 individuals. Magnolia Cemetery has been 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 is the oldest Jewish burial ground in Alabama. Among the notable figures buried in Magnolia Cemetery are Confederate General Braxton Bragg, Battle House Hotel owner James Battle, renowned physician Dr. Josiah Nott, two-time Alabama Governor John Gayle, and Civil War authoress Augusta Evans Wilson. The cemetery also contains the remains of Michael Krafft, founder of the Cowbellian de Rakin society, Walter D. and Bessie Morse Bellingrath, founders of Bellingrath Gardens, and Apache Indian Chappo Geronimo. Visiting Magnolia Cemetery offers a chance to connect with Mobile's past, appreciate Victorian funerary art, and experience a sense of tranquility amidst the city's hustle and bustle.

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