Cemeteries are surprisingly beautiful places. Before parks were commonplace in America, graveyards served as urban green spaces that were popular spots for strolls and picnics. Due to this, many historic cemeteries in New York are absolutely stunning and have park-like layouts that are incredibly attractive, if haunting, places. One particularly gorgeous historic cemetery is the Albany Rural Cemetery. This place has been around for centuries and not only is it one of the most gorgeous graveyards in New York, it’s also got a really interesting history.

The Albany Rural Cemetery was established in 1844. This place is absolutely massive, with 400 acres.
Postdlf/Wikimedia Commons
Like most rural cemeteries (also known as garden cemeteries), the Albany Rural Cemetery is quite beautiful and has a park-like layout.
Albany Rural Cemetery/Google Maps
It may be strange to us today since we have dedicated green spaces in most of our cities, but in the 19th-century, public parks were not very common. Garden cemeteries served a vital role for the public as places where people could picnic and stroll in nature.
The cemetery is the final resting place for war heroes, famous journalists, and many notable politicians.
AlbanY Rural Cemetery/Google Maps

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President Chester A. Arthur is the most notable person to be buried here.
Albany Rural Cemetery
Walking through these hallowed grounds will show you plenty of beautiful headstones and mausoleums.
Postdlf/Wikimedia Commons
The construction of rural cemeteries marked society's changing attitudes about death. Many earlier graveyards were solemn places, a sharp contrast to the beautiful artwork on display at Albany Rural Cemetery and other garden cemeteries.
Msact/Wikimedia Commons
A walk through this cemetery in New York is such a beautiful and calming stroll.
Caelen Rose Ziegler Horton/Google Maps

For more photos of the Albany Rural Cemetery, check out the cemetery’s website.

Have you ever been to this beautiful cemetery in New York? Share your experiences in the comments!

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Albany Rural Cemetery, Albany, NY, USA