Philly is rich in history, as well as random cemeteries. They are all over the place! In fact, the parking lot of a store just a block from my house used to be a burial ground.
The lot, now a supermarket, was once the Union Burial Ground, housing about 6,555 tombs beginning in 1827. Apparently once highrises began to crop up in the 1960s, residents complained about the “eyesore” that was the deteriorating and long neglected cemetery. In 1970, “all” the remains were dug up and relocated elsewhere, and the lot eventually became parking for the market. I imagine there are some remains that weren’t found, as it was considered a poor burial ground and there were probably unmarked graves. Of course, who knows as it was quite some time ago!
The photo above isn’t of the Union Burial Ground, but rather another random and spooky graveyard we stumbled upon in the city. It was between two houses. We stopped to snap some photos because Husband said it looks just like he pictured the one in (my favorite!) Neil Gaiman’s “The Graveyard Book” to be. I don’t know the story behind this particular site, but if I find out I will update you! If we come across more burial grounds around the city, I’ll be sure to share them on my Instagram page!
And don’t forget to follow my Instagram on Thursday and Friday, as I’ll be in New York for Comic Con and there will be lots of fun things posted!
Well, I am glad I saw this post in the morning and not in the evening 🙂
Quite spooky!
Ohhhh so cool Katie! thanks for sharing!