Trinity Cemetery Uptown

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 Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Upper Manhattan lies the only active cemetery remaining in Manhattan -- historic Trinity Cemetery. A hidden gem of tranquility and serenity, this beautifully landscaped burial ground comprises four city blocks and offers visitors a chance to discover the rich history of New York City, its notable figures and architectural gems that has stood the test of time. 


As I wandered beneath a canopy of trees, the landscape transformed into a majestic tapestry of history. Among the graves I encountered was the final resting place of  Clement Clarke Moore. The author of the Christmas classic,  A Visit From St. Nicholas, his tombstone stands as a testament to his cherished contribution to literature. 



Moore is in good literary company with novelist Ralph Ellison, publisher E.P. Dutton, and Alfred Tennyson Dickens, son of Charles Dickens, all buried on the grounds.


Another notable grave is that of John James Audubon, the renowned American ornithologist and artist whose estate was adjacent to the cemetery. A 16-foot tall Celtic cross, adorned with animal carvings, towers over his grave. A work of art in itself, the pays homage to Audobon's tireless efforts to document and preserve the avian species of North America. 



To ensure that he would forever remain in the city he so loved and for which he served as a three-time mayor, Edward I. Koch purchased his plot several years before his 2013 death. Koch's burial went a long way in provided renewed interest in the cemetery where the Astor family, actor Jerry Orbach, and entertainer Cuba Gooding Sr. repose for all eternity.


As my journey through Trinity Cemetery came to an end, I left with a profound appreciation for the preservation of history and the stories that lie beneath our feet. This peaceful haven in Upper Manhattan offers not only a sanctuary for the departed but also a place for visitors to reflect, learn, and connect with the rich tapestry of New York City's past. 



Trinity Cemetery serves as a reminder that remembrance is essential, and that even in the city that never sleeps, tranquility and grace can be found. 













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