Cemeteries in Charlotte, NC

Cemeteries and Memorial Parks
Written By Bran Oswalt

The city of Charlotte dates back to over 250 years, and its cemeteries are just as historic. The cemeteries in Charlotte are peaceful, beautiful places of reflection that hold many glimpses into the city’s past. I like to think of the cemeteries in Charlotte as museums set in nature.  Visitors can view personalized works of art in stone crafted by the monument maker, and learn about the things that were important to those who came before us. Cemeteries preserve the history and culture of a community and the cemeteries in Charlotte, NC, hold a special significance for the community and its residents.

From Past to Present

Burial practices in Charlotte have changed a lot over the years since the early days. Many early settlers were buried on their own property, and it wasn't uncommon for graves to be marked with simple wooden crosses or unmarked stones. As the city grew and developed, cemeteries began to take on a more formal role in the community.

Old Settlers Cemetery, Elmwood Cemetery, and Pinewood Cemetery are three of the most historic cemeteries in Charlotte. These cemeteries are the final resting places for many of the city's early residents, and are beautiful, permanent records of the city’s past.  Subsequent cemeteries were developed by the municipality and private parties as the city grew and expanded.

As in most parts of the country, cemeteries in Charlotte have undergone a significant development and evolution over time, reflecting changing attitudes and practices surrounding death and memorialization. This change can primarily be seen through the type and quality of headstones and memorials being built now as opposed to those being built over a century ago.  Columbaria and other types of memorials for cremation are now prevalent in many cemeteries. It’s also less common to see headstones that elicit the same awe as many of the old expertly crafted monuments with beautiful design and detail. This is partially due to a change in attitude, not only from families, but also monument makers who now favor the commodity of memorialization over excellent design and craft. 

Only a few monument makers still specialize in the true art and design of monuments, headstones, and grave markers. A list of the best memorial designers and builders in North America can be found on the American Institute of Commemorative Art’s website.

Notable Cemeteries in Charlotte, NC

Old Settlers Cemetery

Nestled among Charlotte’s towering skyscrapers lies Old Settlers Cemetery. This beautiful green space is the final resting place of the earliest settlers and even predates the city’s establishment. The cemetery is now a common through-way for many of Charlotte’s residents on their daily walk and commute. Old Settlers Cemetery served as the primary town cemetery until the founding of Elmwood Cemetery in 1853.

Cemetery Address

200 West Trade Street

Charlotte, NC 28202

Elmwood / Pinewood Cemetery

Elmwood / Pinewood Cemetery is one of the oldest and most historical cemeteries in Charlotte, North Carolina. The cemetery covers over 70 acres and is the final resting place for many of the city's early residents and notable figures. The cemetery began as two separate cemeteries until the two segregated cemeteries merged in 1969 - they now operate as one cemetery. Of all cemeteries in Charlotte, NC, Elmwood / Pinewood Cemetery is among the largest, currently holding over 30,000 burials. It is a municipal cemetery.

Over the years, Elmwood / Pinewood Cemetery has been an important part of the community. It is the final resting place for many of Charlotte's early settlers, prominent business leaders, and politicians. It was also used as a makeshift hospital and prison camp during the Civil War.

In the early 20th century, the cemetery underwent a beautification effort. At that time, many of the original headstones were replaced with larger and more elaborate monuments, and new roads were built to improve access to the cemetery.

In recent years, Elmwood / Pinewood Cemetery has been recognized for its historical and cultural significance and has been designated as a local historic landmark. The cemetery is open to the public and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about Charlotte's history and pay their respects to the individuals who helped shape the city. Elmwood is one of the must-visit cemeteries in Charlotte, NC.

Cemetery Address

700 West 6th Street

Charlotte, NC 28202​​

Forest Lawn West Cemetery

Forest Lawn West Cemetery is another of the largest cemeteries in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was established in 1935 by a non-profit group of local citizens, but is now owned and operated by Dignity Memorial, a subsidiary of Service Corporation International (SCI), one of the world’s largest end-of-life care corporations.

Forest Lawn West Cemetery sits on a sprawling 100 acre property and is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Charlotte. From the beginning, it has been a popular choice for families seeking a traditional burial in a well-maintained and serene setting. 

The cemetery offers a variety of burial and memorial options, including traditional in-ground burials, cremation burials, and mausoleum entombments. Their memorial options include sections for upright headstones, flat bronze grave markers, and private estates for families that want to build large family monuments or private mausoleums. 

Over the years, the cemetery has undergone a number of expansions and improvements to better serve the needs of the community. In the 1970s, a mausoleum and a columbarium were built to provide more options for those who prefer cremation. 

Today, Forest Lawn West Cemetery continues to be one of the most popular cemeteries in Charlotte, offering traditional and modern burial options, along with a serene and peaceful setting for remembering loved ones.

Cemetery Address

4601 Freedom Dr

Charlotte, NC 28208

Evergreen Cemetery

Evergreen Cemetery was established as Charlotte’s 4th municipal cemetery in the 1940s in order to serve the city’s growing population. It is now one of Charlotte’s most active cemeteries, receiving an average of 102 interments per year over the last decade.

A large monument dedicated to World War II gracefully welcomes visitors through the main entrance and is one of the most visited sites at the cemetery.  Visitors can also expect to see a diverse array of headstones representing the many cultures of Charlotte upon entering the cemetery. 

Evergreen cemetery is beautifully landscaped and well-managed, which is one reason why many families have chosen the cemetery for their high-end memorials, such as private mausoleums and large estate monuments. It is one of the best choices for any family in Charlotte interested in purchasing beautiful cemetery property that will well serve their legacy for years and years to come. 

Prices for Evergreen Cemetery services can be found on their website

Cemetery Address

4426 Central Avenue

Charlotte, NC 28205

notable cemeteries in Charlotte ranked by number of burials:

  1. Sharon Memorial Park - 36,469

  2. Elmwood Cemetery - 22,369

  3. Forest Lawn West Cemetery - 20,000

  4. Lakeland Memorial Park - 11,792

  5. Evergreen Cemetery - 10,609

  6. Pinewood Cemetery - 9,101

  7. Oaklawn Cemetery and Mausoleum - 6,700

  8. Steele Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery - 3,500

  9. Gethsemane Memorial Gardens - 3,210

  10. Mount Zion Methodist Cemetery - 2,000

  11. Hebrew Cemetery - 1,500

  12. Sharon Presbyterian Church Cemetery - 1,300

  13. Providence Presbyterian Church Cemetery - 1,245

  14. Sardis Presbyterian Church Cemetery - 1,120

  15. Mount Zion Community Cemetery - 1,111

  16. Bethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery - 1,104

  17. Northlake Memorial Gardens - 1,000

  18. Mimosa Cemetery - 830

*source: 2023 find a grave nc

The cemeteries in Charlotte are an enduring part of the city’s heritage, and the memorials within them say a lot about its culture of remembrance. The importance of memorializing loved ones in a respectful and meaningful way is undeniable. Cemeteries, as a place of final rest and remembrance, are a natural and important part of the grief and healing process.

Famous Graves in Charlotte, NC

It’s no surprise that many celebrities and notable figures are memorialized in Charlotte cemeteries.

Politicians

Military

Religious Leaders

Civil Rights Leaders

Athletes & Sports Stars

Actors, Musicians & Entertainers

Authors & Journalists

Bronze Cemeteries

Three of the main cemeteries in Charlotte are bronze cemeteries which means that a memorial must be flat and made of the expensive material - upright monuments and headstones are not allowed. Bronze cemeteries in Charlotte include Sharon Memorial Park, Lakeland Memorial Park, and Gethsemane Memorial Gardens. While the memorials in these cemeteries are primarily flat bronze, these types of cemeteries often offer community mausoleum and cremation garden options.  The community mausoleum in Sharon Memorial Park is one of the largest in the country.  Occasionally, a bronze cemetery may allow private mausoleums or other high-end family monuments in exclusive sections.

A big difference between a cemetery that allows upright headstones and a bronze cemetery is not only the style of memorial, but the cost associated between the two. On average, a bronze marker is about 4-5 times the cost of a granite marker. The fees associated with bronze cemeteries are often (but not always) higher too.  Many families mistake flat bronze cemeteries as the less expensive option, and are often surprised to find out the opposite is true. 

It’s always best to plan ahead and talk to loved ones about how you want to be remembered. It all comes down to preference and budget - there is no wrong choice. Some people prefer the craftsmanship of a personalized upright headstone and others prefer the uniformity of flat bronze.

Conclusion

The cemeteries in Charlotte serve many important purposes and hold significant meaning for the city’s residents. They offer a final resting place for the deceased, a place of healing for the living, and a window into Charlotte's unique past and diverse culture. Without a doubt, these sacred spaces will continue to play a vital role in the community for many years to come.

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Bran Oswalt
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