History and Facts

History

On April 24, 1844, Allegheny Cemetery was chartered as a tax-free, non-profit organization. The list of Allegheny's 40 corporators was a veritable "Who's Who" in the city of Pittsburgh in the late 1840's. There were names of merchants, manufacturers and professional men. The corporators ranged from James Ramsey Speer, a prominent doctor who originated the idea of a rural burial place and Richard Biddle, a state representative, to William Robinson, Jr., grandson of one of the area's earliest settlers and Harmar Denny, son of the first mayor of Pittsburgh. For $50,000, George A. Bayard sold 100 acres of land in Lawrenceville, including a mansion and other improvements, to be used for the cemetery. This land became Pittsburgh's first public park modeled after the fashionable romantic landscapes of English parks. This is the sixth oldest rural cemetery in the United States. The Cemetery houses the graces of generations of Pittsburghers including graves of soldiers who fought in the French and Indian War which were moved there from the Trinity Cathedral.

Location and Size
Allegheny Cemetery is located at 4734 Butler Street in Lawrenceville, just five minutes from the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. It is bordered by Butler Street to the north and Penn Avenue to the south. (Maps) The cemetery comprises 300 acres of land - - 200 which are improved. Approximately 120,000 dead are interred there in graves, crypts and urns.

Architecture

The gateway of the cemetery's Butler Street entrance is an outstanding example of John Chislett's reposeful Tudor style. Chislett, the first superintendent of the cemetery, was an architect of English descent. His careful planning and foresight formed the foundation for the present beauty of the cemetery. The Penn Avenue gateway reflects a Romanesque influence. The memorials reflect a variety of architectural styles including: Victorian, Greek, Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo. Historical Structures

Veterans Areas
In 1937, the cemetery built the Soldier's Memorial overlooking the main area of military graves. It combines Classical and Modernistic architectural styles. Lots memorialize soldiers from all wars.

Allegheny Cemetery Historical Association

The Allegheny Cemetery Historical Association (ACHA) was established on March 17, 1980. Created as an educational and charitable organization, the ACHA accepts donations from individuals and foundations for restoration projects. By 1985, the association had raised $1 million for improvements. Improvements funded by ACHA efforts include: the restoration of the historic fountain near the Butler Street entrance (1982); the Penn Avenue entrance (1983); the Soldiers' Memorial (1985); the greenhouse (1986); Butler Street entrance buildings (1987); the twin lakes (1988/89); and the Butler Street Gatehouse (1991). The ACHA has restored landscape features and erected informative signs for those touring the cemetery.

Milestones

1834 - Dr. J. R. Speer, Stephen Colwell and John Chislett, Esq., began attempts to establish a rural cemetery to embrace the wants of the whole population of all denominations of the two cities, Pittsburgh and Allegheny. 1834 to 1842 - Great depression, however interest kept alive. April 1844 - A meeting of the citizens of Pittsburgh was held at the Board of Trade rooms regarding the establishment of a public Cemetery. April 24, 1844 - The Act of the Incorporation was promptly passed by the Pennsylvania Legislature, without objection, and returned with the approval of Gov. David R. Porter. April 10, 1845 - The Board of Corporators met and agreed to purchase the entire Hatfield property, east of Butler Road, of George A. Bayard, Esq., containing about 100 acres, his mansion house and other improvements for $50,000. September 20, 1845 - The grounds were dedicated by appropriate religious ceremonies, on which occasion an original ode was sung. September 26, 1845 - The first public sale of lots, at which time ninety-six lots were sold, produced the sum of $9,335. September 1845 - The first interment was Mrs. Margarette Briggs, in lot 142, Section 2.