Historic Elmwood Cemetery

Frommer's Review

Victims of war, disease, and natural causes are buried in this historic garden cemetery on the outskirts of downtown Memphis. Dating back to 1852, the majestic, 80-acre sanctuary is brimming with elaborate marble sculptures, simple headstones, and towering shade trees. Take a guided tour or stroll the grounds alone to get a sense of the city's rich history. Descendants such as 1920s bandleader Jimmie Lunceford, Civil War historian and author Shelby Foote, and African-American Civil Rights photographer Ernest Withers are laid to rest here. Most haunting, however, is "No Man's Land," public lots marking the gravesites of 1,500 victims of the 1878 yellow fever epidemic. Maps are available in the Victorian Garden Cottage that serves as the Visitors Center.

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