Please remember that Cave Hill is a cemetery and not a public park. Pets are not allowed in the cemetery. Bicycles, joggers, motorcycles, motor homes, and buses are not allowed. No picnicking allowed. Do not park on the grass.
Walk into the cemetery along the sidewalk on the right-hand side of the main road. Continue walking until the sidewalk ends at a paved road. You will see a large tree in a grassy triangle in front of you.
Turn right and follow the road directly in front of you. Go straight through the immediate intersection. This section ends when you reach a road on your right.
There are seventeen Points of Interest in this section.
On the far left side of the intersection you will see an angel. That is our first stop.
Leonhardt monument
We will start with something you often see in a museum–a figure. This angel is striking a classic pose–pointing upwards and holding a Book.
Notice the clothing. Figures are usually–but not always–dressed in robes with lots of folds and draping.
Turn around and you will see the Henry monument just across the road.
Henry monument
This monument has three figures. The lower two are not the same and do not share the same pose–the left figure looks contemplative and is holding a Wreath, and the right looks grieving and is shown with an Anchor.
The angel above has a Scattering Petals pose that you will see many times in the cemetery.
Also, above the inscription between the lower figures, you can see two Clasped Hands.
Turn around and look across the road to your right. Walk to the Baxter obelisk.
Baxter obelisk
This is the first example of architectural details: columns, moldings, and a roof–all between the base and the obelisk itself. It is an obelisk because the tower-like upper part is square.
Also, you can see a two-color effect on the stone. The darker areas are polished, and the lighter areas are not.
Just to the right, you will see a small monument that looks like a stack of rocks.
Littrell memorial
Our focus is on the small memorial just to the left. It might be small, but it has a lot of details:
a gun
a Tree Stump
an Anchor
a Crown or Wreath
a sash
a Scroll
This is the first example of a Cairn memorial. It is carved to look like a pile of stones.
Just behind you can see a small memorial with the word Tip on it.
Tip
The figure might be a Lamb or perhaps a dog–is that a tail? There is no inscription or date so we cannot know.
Just to the right of the Littrell monument you will see two horizontal crosses laying on the ground.
Stobbe crosses
Crosses are common in cemeteries, but not like these–horizontal and laying on the ground. There are many of these crosses here, and in a variety of styles.
It is interesting that these face away from the street while the other markers face the street.
Continue walking on the left side. You will see a grass path and a small tree. Directly across the road you will see the Frey monument.
Frey monument
You may notice some repeating motifs, such as columns and other architectual details. The roof is more complicated and there are more details above.
The angel has the Scattering Pose.
Also, notice the various letterforms on the smaller markers.
Just behind and to the left you will a tall white monument.
Tobin monument
What this monument lacks in classical details it makes up for with a striking design.
Return to the road and continue along the right side until you see the Conrad monument just past the first tree.
Conrad monument
This is the most architecture-like monument in this section. It has complete (and separated) columns. The center block is carved with various types of molding and inset panels.
All of which hold up the massive roof-like structure that is topped by a large double scroll.
Walk to the monument that is immediately behind the Conrad monument.
McCurdy monument
Notice how the design resembles the Frey monument, but has the simpler details adjacent to the inscription and the more detailed columns above.
The figure is holding a Book and wearing an exuberantly draped robe.
Return to the road and continue down the right side. Just past the Veech obelisk look for the Lewis monument with a winged angel on top.
Lewis monument
The angel has a pose we have not seen before: hands held together. Notice the Lilies tucked behind.
The ogee scroll sides have larger details at the bottom; you can see shapes like this in historic architecture. A new details is the Urn.
But it is the flowers that demand attention. Their edges may be smoothed by 140 years of weathering but they still have a lot of detail left.
Just behind this monument you can see another collection of smaller markers.
Symbols
The markers show a variety of motifs. In particular, notice the cross leaning on a Broken Column.
Turn back to the road and cross to the other side. Just behind the Monk obelisk you will see a collection of small markers.
Various details
There are four facing the road and three behind. Notice the variety of details:
an Anchor
a Log
a Cherub
an Urn
several different base styles
Look to the right. You are looking for a low stone monument that is shaped very much like a casket. It has the name J W Gaulbert carved on the left side.
Gaulbert Tomb
As noted, this monument resembles a casket. It is a type of Tomb, though it is completely ornamental.
How about those details? It has plenty: the ogee-shaped sides, the leaves covering the corners and upper trim, and carved handles on the lid.
Cross to the right side of the road and you will see a monument with three figures at the top just to the left.
Faith monument
This monument has three figures: the mother in the center, the daughter on the left, and the son on the right.
It is rare to see a male figure and this is the first of three on this stroll. Notice that he is not wearing a robe. Instead, he has trousers and draped cloak. Also, there is a small stump behind his feet.
Return to the road and continue to the intersection You will see a monument with a book on top.
Kavanaugh monument
PLEASE DO NOT CLIMB ON THE MONUMENT.
The book has a passage from Acts, Chapter 11, Verse 24. The left hand page is dog-eared.
Just behind and to the right you will see a Broken Column set on a stylized Cairn< base.
Moore monument
The stacked stones in this Cairn are definitely stylized, and are sitting on a base of differently carved stones.
Before you turn right, walk across the road to the large, white, rectangular monument for the Gilmore family.
Gilmore monument
This may be the best example of tomb-like monuments on this stroll. If you look just above the base you can see a box-like center (similar to a Chest Tomb) flanked by four columns and a top (similar to a Table Tomb).
And then the details. The columns have extra embellishments, with a leaf detail above. The roofline has dormer sections. As in architecture, the most interesting bits are usually at the top–and this is no different.
Notice the rope detail circling around the top of the roof. Just above you can see another rope coiled around a pile, flanked by two ship bows.
Walk over to the tall obelisk immediately to the right.
Parr obelisk
The fist of the many obelisks in this section. It has some interesting details, but notice the line of markers in front.
You will see many expamples of these chorus lines of markers. These are nice because of the slanted tops, the scrolls on the sides, and the leafwork on the bottom front.
Turn back to the road and cross to the other side, to the Magnolia tree.
Fitch monument
You can find the Fitch monument to the left of the Magnolia tree. The name is facing the tree, and you will see a figure standing among the branches.
The most interesting detail is the wreath below the figure.
Continue along the right side of the road. You are looking for a large cross with a figure standing in front.
Eastin monument
Mourning ladies are not as common as angels and that is a shame–this figure could be in a museum. Notice her pose, the opened book at the base, and the folds of her dress.
Also note that the main monument is flanked by two smaller memorials.
Across the road and slightly to the right you will see another tomb-like monument with the name Houston.
Houston monument
This time we have square fluted columns. Just above the wide cornice you can see a wreath and ribbon decoration. However, the most unusual detail is the metal railing with a serious patina.
Cross the road and continue along the right side until you see the Price monument.
Price monument
When a gravestone appears to be partially uncarved, it is called an Emerging Stone. The uncarved parts are Undressed.
It does have a variety of details:
a column
an arch
flowers
an Inverted Torch
a Lily
Behind and to the right you will see the Churchill monument.
Churchill monument
This is the first example of this type of monument. It resembles a tomb-like monument but squished vertically. Then there is a large monolith-like block with a detailed border just below the top.
Just across the road you will see three obelisks. That is the next stop.
Three Obelisks
The obelisks belong to three families: Robinson, Lander, and Ellis. They get more detailed going from left to right.
The first two are similar but the second has columns and *inverted torches* at the top. The third is the most detailed:
the base is larger
it has two bumpouts with Urns
the lower part of the tower has more moldings
it has an ornate capital
and another Urn on top!
Continue along the left hand side of the road. The next monument is just past the Holly tree and has a figure standing on the top.
Monks monument
We can start from the top down. The lady is posed with an ANCHOR. Just below there are two Inverted Torches.
Below that the front is flanked by ornamented brackets. These are topped with Urns that are Draped.
Just to the right and slightly back you will find the Ray monument. It is set a bit farther back off the road.
Ray monument
This is another tomb-like monument with an oversized Urn on top. It has a scalloped roofline, Egg-And-Dart between the columns, tiny Dogwood flowers on the capitals.
Notice the collection of matched headstones in front. The tops scroll from side to side, unlike the Parr markers that scroll front to back.
Continue along the left side of the road. When you see a road entering on your right, look to your left. You are looking for a large cross.
Hoyt monument
This is a great example of Undressed stone. The only details are Lilies.
Just behind and to the right you will see the highly detailed large monument.
Dillingham monument
There are a lot of small details that are worth exploring. The angel has the Scattering Petals pose, but is missing an arm. Just below there are two Draped Urns.
Between the inscription and epitaph, there is a Winged Face. The center medallion has a scroll profile. Finally, the front and sides have Wreaths.
On the left hand side of the road, you will see three small cherubs.
Caldwell memorials
It is unusual to see this type of marker in a group. You can compare their differences: their bases, how they are posed, accessories, and how the names are documented.
Continue downhill along the left side of the road. You will see another horizontal cross, this time with a base.
Phelps cross
This horizontal cross has a base to lift it off the ground. It has the evergreen Ivy carved on top.
On the opposite side of the grass path you will see the Graf monument.
Graf monument
The figure is holding a piece of paper instead of a Book and has an Anchor behind. However, the important detail is the style of the clothing. It is still flowing cloth but looks to be a skirt and top instead of a robe.
Walk back to the road, cross to the other side, and continue downhill. You are looking for another tomb-like monument.
Hess monument
This is a much simpler tomb-like monument, compared to the Kleier monument directly across the road. What stands out?
The figure on top. So far, it has been mostly urns. The figure is in a mourning pose, has finely detailed clothing, and a very delicate wreath.
Also, there is a carvers mark on the lower right corner.
Cross to the left side of the road. This is a collection of memorials and continues until the Boone family mausoleum.
Contemporary memorials
On the left, you can see a collection of contemporary memorials. Because they lack the detailing you see on older memorials, try to see these as a long canvas of shapes, colors, and contrasts:
stained glass
polished vs matte finishes
rough vs smooth surfaces
horizontal vs vertical
classical vs mid-century
You will see a small stone building close to the road.
Boone mausoleum
This is a simple mausoleum with fluted columns, bronze doors, and a stained glass window.
Just past the mausoleum and across the road you will see a hilly field.
Rural cemetery
The smaller markers, lack of monuments, and the hilly open space make this area look like a rural cemetery. A small chapel nearby would not look out of place.
Continue along the left side of the road. You will see a small cairn memorial with the name Lyman. It is at the end of the stone curb.
Lyman memorial
This memorial is small, but has a lot of details. The base is carved to resemble stones, the middle like a stack of logs, and the top is either a Broken Column or Log.
Directly across the road you can see the Muench monument.
Muench monument
The details are slightly different here. There are six columns, the urn is draped and has very nice folds, and the scalloped detail on the ridgeline is very oversized.
Do not get distracted by the things on your left–you will see them on the way back. While they are not specific stops, you will see many of the motifs you have seen before.
Look for the Fix monument. It is reddish stone with a figure on top.
Fix monument
The figure is posed with an Anchor.
What you really want to notice is the mottled color of the reddish stone.
Look just behind the Fix monument.
Taylor memorial
The Taylor has a stylized branch border and Lilies.
Continue walking down the road and past the road on your right. Stop at the large tree on your right that has branch growing above and across the road.
On the left hand side, not far past the tree, you will see the McFerran monument.
McFerran monument
Notice that the figures are on a wide platform covered with a fringed cloth. The angel has a familiar pose and a very starched looking robe. What is most unusual is the cherub.
Not that there IS a cherub, but its expression. It might look like an infant, but the serious look on its face makes it seem to be older than the angel.
Return to the road and turn right. The next stop is the Hassan monument.
Hassan monument
The figure is kneeling and holding on to a cross.
Continue to the intersection. Turn right onto the grassy path. At the first intersection, on your left, you will see the Brigman memorial.
Brigman memorial
Do you notice something different here? The details are on a Parchment Scroll resting on top of the headstone, instead of being carved into the headstone itself.
This is some serious carving. Everything is so delicate looking: the parchment, the flowers, the leaves.
Continue up the grassy path to the Boyce obelisk. Turn left and walk to the large monument with a bust of a man on it.
Broadus monument
This is the most theatrical of the monuments here.
It has intact architectural details on the left and the artifice of a ruin on the right. The unfinished stone continues down to and across the base. The metal details, with a dark verdigree, add contrast. And then there is the delicacy of the Fern and Lily at the base of the column.
Return to the grassy path and continue uphill. You are looking for a headstone on the left that shows a young girl in front of a curtain.
Lillie Gilbert memorial
Start with the reverse side of the stone. It gives details of her short life that add to the carving on the front.
She appears to be looking out a window with the curtains behind her. Notice the tiny details around the window, even down to the small columns on the sides. Then there are the curtains and the details of her shirt.
Also, there is a depth to the carving that seems to go beyond the thickness of the stone itself.
Return to the path and walk downhill to the road. Turn right. Just past a small tree you will see another cairn memorial.
Kendall memorial
This is one of the larger cairns and the first we have seen to have a Crown and Cross.
Continue along the right side of the road. Not far past the Kellner obelisk–and across from the Fix monument–you will see the Baker monument.
Baker monument
This angel has a theatrical pose and is hold a cross. The base has ogee scrolls and Wreaths similar to the Lewis monument.
Continue along the right side of the road. Just past the Kopmeier monument you will see the Morat monument.
Morat monument
There are so many details and so many levels it feels like this monument could be a tower in a Old Town area with clockwork figures showing on the hour.
You are back at the branching point.
Just past the Morat monument you will see the narrow road, this time on your right.
It has some nice details but what you are looking for is at the base. The top point of the obelisk is on the ground, giving you a chance to see it close up. You can compare details with the Blatz obelisk on the opposite side of the road.
Continue along the left side. Just past the Gooch memorial you will see a grass path. Turn left onto the path and the next stop is just to your left, under the trees.
Henry monument
This is another tomb-like monument. The multi-stone columns are unusual, but the figures on top are the most interesting. One of them is the second of three males.
There are two figures together, the broken column has its capital beside it, there is a book and chalice, and a full column standing nearby.
Look just behind and to the left of the main monument.
Frankie
You will see a small, simple memorial. It has a sleeping child on top.
Return to the narrow road and turn left. Walk to the intersection and turn left. You will see the Baird monument across the road. Like before, this section ends at an intersection.
There are three Points of Interest in this section.
If the block between the columns was not there this would be considered a table tomb. Unlike the other monument like this, notice how the columns are separate from the block.
Otherwise, there are many small details on the table itself.
Cross the road and continue along the left side until you see the Menefee monument.
Menefee monument
This has the same style as the Churchill monument in Section 2. Details include:
column capitals
corner caps just above
the ogee molding between the caps
the stylized leaf border
the foliage band at the top
Cross the road again and walk to the Miller monument.
Miller column
This monument is not an obelisk because the column above the base is not square. Notice the Deco details at the base of the column, and the flower-like capital.
Also, the figure is the last of the male figures. Look closely and you can tell he is the archangel Gabriel because he is holding a trumpet.
At the intersection, turn right. Stop at the mausoleum on your right.
Gheens mausoleum
The landscaping is the best detail. You can not see the foundation at all and the vertical trees make it seem like the building is trying to hide.
The proportions are also important. Notice how everything is tall and narrow–in fact, horizontal lines are kept to a minimum.
Cross the road and walk around to the Hibbitt monument.
Hibbitt monument
First thing, the angel is sitting and holding a Book. Just to the right you will see an Urn, a Bevel Marker, and a Cherub.
Continue walking to the right to the next plot.
Jacob monument
First, the trees make an excellent backdrop for this tall column. The figure, holding a Wreath is standing on a classic capital. A delicate vine is climbing up the column from the fluted base.
Continue around to the Wymond monument.
Wymond monument
Notice how the top of the monument is very angular and ornamented and the lower part has simpler, more rounded shapes.
The columns are separate from the center block and changed diameter; the bases feel more organic than the capitals.
The ornamentation is crisp and plentiful. Even the name is ornamented.
Continue around to the Duckwall column.
Duckwall monument
This has a solid base with lots of horizontal details. Each face has two Inverted Torches.
Like the Jacob column, it has a classic capital with a figure, but this column has an initialed band in the middle.
The figure is Pointing Down.
Across the road you will find the Norton monument.
Norton monument
The monument has a solid foundation with large blocky details. Then a familiar tomb-like center with stylized columns. The top looks less like a roof than a tomb or sarcophagus.
But, the important part is the metal details. The verdigree adds color and contrast that helps this monument stand out.
Cross the road again and walk past the Newcomb obelisk to the monument that resembles a claw-foot tub.
Dulaney monument
This is a very good example of a tomb monument. The base is just big enough to hold the tomb. The clawed feet give a bathtub effect but also give a feeling of lightness. The top resembles a Mansard roof and even has shingles.
There does not appear to be a plain surface, except for the area around the name.
As before, continue around to the ornamented cross.
Willis cross
This is a nice example of a Celtic high or standing cross. It is so covered with knotwork that it is easy to overlook the name and date.
You do not need directions–just walk over to the mausoleum already...
Irvin mausoleum
This mausoleum feels more imposing than the first. It is wider and the lack of landscaping makes it seem more castle-like. The horizontal lines of the roof and the heavy square tower also give it more solidity.
Return to the road, turn right, and across to the tall water pipe.
Water pipe
This is not here as decoration–it is a working source of water. As such, it could have been a boring plain object but even something so utilitarian could not escape ornamentation.
And that is a good thing. With the patina, even the bolts holding the sections together look decorative. There are other bits of ornament, but pay attention to the end of the horizontal upper pipe–it looks like a animal head.
Just to the right of the grassy path you will see a small memorial.
Clarke memorial
This is the second example of a Winged Face. The other one was on the Dillingham monument.
Continue along the grass path to the second memorial on the right.
Phillips memorial
There are many symbols you have seen before. How many do you recognize?
Also notice how thin some of the elements have been carved. And, there is an epitaph on a Parchment Scroll on the back.
Return to the road and cross to the left side. Pass the Martin memorial, and just beyond the Layer obelisk you will see three small tree memorials.
Miller tree
The smaller two are stumps. The bigger tree is just behind and faces away from the road. It has many motifs you have seen before:
Ferns
a Wreath
a Cairn
a Draped Cloth
And two new ones: Oak Leaves and Acorns.
Return to the road and look to your left. You will see a large white tree monument across the road and that is the next stop.
Meriwether tree
First, look at the base. This is the most interesting Pile of Stones base yet. It looks like slabs of slate you might find stacked at a quarry.
The tree has twiggy lettering, Ivy, a Wreath, and some serious bark texture. It also has Acorns and a small oak sprout.
Return to the road and continue along the right side until you reach the intersection. The Lyons monument is to your right.
Lyons monument
You will see the back first. The lettering is nice, especially how Washington City is styled.
Around front, there is a portrait. Above is a tree-like cross, covered in Ivy.
Continue to the intersection and turn right. Immediately to your left you will see the sidewalk from which you started the stroll. Take the sidewalk back to the main gate.