Elmwood Cemetery

09/04/2026

09/03/2026

Andrew Jackson Donelson had a front-row seat to American history, and he's buried in Elmwood Cemetery.

The nephew of President Andrew Jackson’s wife, Rachel, Donelson was raised by the Jacksons as a son. During Jackson’s presidency, he served as his private secretary and lived with his family in the White House. His wife, Emily, even served as White House hostess until the infamous Petticoat Affair created a very public rift among Washington’s political elite.

Donelson later served as a diplomat and was the unsuccessful vice-presidential candidate on Millard Fillmore’s 1856 ticket. He owned Tulip Grove, a handsome home near The Hermitage in Nashville, and another home in Memphis.

His family’s story eventually became part of Elmwood’s history. Three of his sons are buried here, including one who was killed at the Battle of Chickamauga.

Donelson died at Memphis’s Peabody Hotel in 1871 at the age of 72. His second wife, Elizabeth, died the following year and rests beside him at Elmwood.

09/01/2026

On behalf of the history makers who created the 901, we wish you a happy 901 Day!

08/28/2026

174 years ago, Elmwood was founded.

On August 28, 1852, fifty Memphis citizens came together with an ambitious idea: to create a beautiful new cemetery outside the growing city.

Each person committed $500 toward the project, and by September, the group had purchased forty acres of land about two and a half miles outside of Memphis.

Their new cemetery would be part of the growing Rural Cemetery Movement, which imagined burial grounds not simply as places for the dead, but as peaceful, landscaped spaces filled with trees, flowers, winding paths, and places for quiet reflection. But what would they call it?

Each of the fifty founders wrote down a suggestion, and one name was drawn from a hat. Elmwood.

There was only one small problem. There were no elm trees on the property. The trustees ordered elms from New York and planted them on the grounds.

Elmwood expanded to 80 acres after the Civil War. Today, nearly 1,500 trees shade its winding roads, monuments, gardens, and graves. More than 80,000 people rest here, their lives telling the story of Memphis across generations. People from all walks of life are resting and remembered here, from poets to politicians, medical professionals to clergy, explorers, writers, painters, inventors, veterans, suffragists and Civil Rights leaders, and so many more.

Tomorrow, August 28th, Elmwood Cemetery turns 174 years old. We’re already preparing for a great celebration of our 175th year in 2027. There's a great year ahead of us to look forward to as we explore Memphis history.

Thank you for your incredible support of Elmwood Cemetery.

08/27/2026

It’s National Dog Day, and we can’t let it pass without celebrating Elmwood’s VIP pup: Bernard. 🐩

Bernard was the beloved Standard Poodle of Elmwood resident Sally Banks, a lifelong animal advocate and devoted supporter of the cemetery. Sally loved Bernard so much that, before her death in 2017, she commissioned a statue of him to be placed on her family lot.

Today, Bernard still stands faithfully near Sally’s final resting place. And as far as we know, he has a special distinction: Bernard is the only dog honored with a statue at Elmwood Cemetery.

Sally spent much of her life helping animals, including serving as president of the Memphis Humane Society and supporting numerous animal rescue efforts. We think she would be delighted that Bernard is getting a little extra attention today.

Happy National Dog Day to Elmwood’s very good boy. ❤️

08/27/2026

Become part of the most historic event of the year.

The Soul of the City Tour: Elmwood Obscura is coming this October, and we need your support to help bring Elmwood’s extraordinary stories to life.

What's this event? It's an outdoor theatre event taking place in Elmwood where 8 costumed actors portray the individuals buried in the cemetery. There's food and drink, a pop-up gift shop, and more!

By becoming a sponsor, you’re doing more than supporting an unforgettable annual event. Your sponsorship directly supports the care and maintenance of historic Elmwood Cemetery, helping preserve this special place for generations to come.

Join us as a sponsor and help make this year’s Soul of the City one to remember! Click the link below to become a sponsor today, or email [email protected] with questions.
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elmwoodcemetery.networkforgood.com/projects/300568-soul-of-the-city-elmwood-obscura