This Obscure New Jersey Cemetery Is The Resting Place Of One Of History’s Most Famous Americans
America is home to several famous cemeteries, from Gettysburg to Arlington. Each is iconic for its rich history but New Jersey is home to a burial ground that may be even more significant. It’s not a place many know of but the impact of those who are interred here is immeasurable. One of history’s most famous Americans calls this his final resting place – Grover Cleveland. But that’s not all, not nearly.
Princeton Cemetery, at Nassau Presbyterian Church, has been called "The Westminster Abbey of the United States."
Grover Cleveland was buried here in 1908. The 22nd and 24th president of the United States, he was the only president in American history to serve two non-consecutive terms in office (1885–89 and 1893–97). He won the popular vote for three presidential elections – in 1884, 1888, and 1892 – and was one of two Democrats (with Woodrow Wilson) to be elected president during the era of Republican political domination dating from 1861 to 1933.
Born in Caldwell, Grover Cleveland also happens to be the only president from New Jersey. However, President Woodrow Wilson also has ties to the Garden State - he served as both governor of New Jersey and president of Princeton University. Cleveland is buried beside his wife Frances and daughter Ruth, after whom the Baby Ruth candy bar is named.
Aaron Burr is another notable individual buried at Princeton Cemetery.
Aaron Burr was the third Vice President of the United States but is notoriously known for killing Alexander Hamilton at the Weehawken Dueling Grounds. He was born in Newark and died in Staten Island, though was interred here with his father. Aaron Burr Sr. was a Presbyterian minister and the second president of Princeton University.
While strolling the grounds, several other names may stand out...
Famous Americans buried here include Richard Stockton (governor and namesake of Stockton University), Paul Tulane (Tulane University benefactor), and John Witherspoon (signer of the Declaration of Independence). You'll find Civil War generals (David Hunter), philosophers (David Kellogg Lewis), and artists (William Willet) eternally resting in this peaceful place, along with Nobel Prize winners (Eugene Paul Wigner), and clergymen (John MacLean, Jr., the first professor of chemistry at the College of New Jersey). If the name David Hunter rings a bell, it may be for his role in ending slavery or perhaps because he led the military commission trying the conspirators involved with the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
Still an active graveyard, burial inquiries are welcome. More recent additions to the cemetery include wealthy entertainment executives, Jose and Mary Louise Menendez, buried in 1989. Murdered by their own sons, Lyle (21) and Erik (18), you may remember the high profile trial that took place in 1994. Both boys were convicted to life in prison with no possibility of parole.
Did you have any idea that such a cemetery existed in New Jersey? Have you ever been? There’s plenty to do in Princeton, so it could easily be a stop on your day trip. Visit Princeton Cemetery at 61 Nassau Street, open daily from dawn to dusk. Brochures with a map are available in a small kiosk at the Greenview Avenue entrance. The map contains a grid system with notable gravesite locations. For more to do when you visit, check out this guide to Princeton.
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Kristen is a writer, editor, and social media maven who loves her state. Born and raised in New Jersey, sharing all it has to offer is her passion. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management.
