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Florence Irene Ford's Grave

Visit the final resting place of Florence Irene Ford in Natchez City Cemetery, a touching testament to a mother's enduring love and devotion.

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The grave of Florence Irene Ford in Natchez City Cemetery is a poignant testament to a mother's love. Born in 1861, Florence died at age 10, and her mother, Ellen, commissioned a unique gravesite: a glass window at the head of the coffin with stairs leading down so she could comfort her daughter during storms.

A brief summary to Florence Irene Ford

  • Unnamed Road, Natchez, Mississippi, 39120, US

Local tips

  • The cemetery gates are open from 7 a.m. until dusk.
  • Consider taking a self-guided tour with a CD or using a smartphone app to explore the cemetery.
  • Look for the Turning Angel statue and the tomb of Rufus E. Case while visiting the cemetery.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the entrance of Natchez City Cemetery, follow the main path. The cemetery is open to visitors, and you can walk freely to locate the grave. The staff at the main office can provide directions.

  • Public Transport

    The Natchez Transit System provides public transportation in Natchez. Check the schedule and routes to see if there is a stop near the cemetery. From the nearest bus stop, you may need to walk a short distance to the cemetery entrance. A single ride fare is typically around $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Natchez. Request a ride to Natchez City Cemetery at 19-27 Cemetery Road. A short taxi ride from downtown Natchez to the cemetery will cost approximately $10-$15.

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Discover more about Florence Irene Ford

In Natchez City Cemetery, along the Mississippi River, lies the unique grave of Florence Irene Ford, a lasting symbol of a mother's enduring love. Florence, born in 1861, tragically died of yellow fever in 1871 at the young age of 10. Her mother, Ellen, was understandably devastated. During Florence's short life, she was terrified of storms, always seeking comfort in her mother's arms until the storm passed. Unable to bear the thought of her daughter being alone and scared during storms even in death, Ellen made an unusual request. She had Florence's coffin fitted with a small glass window at the head and a narrow stairway constructed leading six feet down to the window. This allowed Ellen to descend and comfort her daughter, even in her final resting place. The epitaph on the gravestone reads: “As bright and affectionate a Daughter as ever God with His Image blest”. Metal trapdoors were installed to shield Ellen from the elements while she was at her daughter's grave. In the mid-1950s, a concrete wall was added to cover the glass window to prevent vandalism. Visitors can still see the trapdoors today, a reminder of a mother's unwavering devotion. The Natchez City Cemetery, established in 1822, is home to other notable tombs and monuments, but Florence's grave remains one of the most touching and peculiar.

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