Moravian Cemetery
About This Listing
Place Details
- Borough: Staten Island
- Neighborhood: Douglaston
- Categories: Burial Site, Gathering Place, What New Yorkers Find Beautiful
Place Matters Profile
Located on a beautiful and serene 113-acre property, Moravian Cemetery has been a resting ground of Staten Island families since 1720. According to Richard Simpson, local historian and tour guide of the grounds, those buried at Moravian “include local farmers, oystermen, ship builders, inventors, educators, doctors, businessmen, artists, soldiers, and even an Indian Chief.” Often noted is the beauty of its grounds, which includes a number of lakes, natural knolls and valleys.
Nominations
Richard Simpson
The cemetery began in 1720. It is one of New York City’s most beautiful cemeteries. It has two fresh-water-lakes, 3 bridges built between 1863 and 1895. Its winding roadways and pathways are covered with azaleas, rhododendrons, etc. Trees were planted over 125 years ago. When you describe its monuments and mausoleums you almost have to use every word known in the language of architecture. The cemetery provides walking tours where visitors learn about its residents in the form of biographical information given by the tour guide. It appeals to everyone interested in history, architecture and nature.
Outdoor sculpture in the form of monuments and mausoleums combined with 114-acres of manicured grounds make up this landscape. It’s much better than an asphalt parking lot. (April 2007)
