Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Cemetery of Angels


This post will interest my Houston friends more than anyone. I had the opportunity to take a tour of one of Houston's treasures this spring, and my friends and I were amazed that we had never seen or heard of this locale before now. 
We took a guided tour of Glenwood Cemetery, which was founded in 1871 and located in what was then a rural spot on the rolling banks of the Buffalo Bayou.


Classified as a romantic cemetery, the winding roads and gently rolling terrain today provide a beautiful setting for walkers, joggers and bicyclists, as well as being the tranquil resting place for many notables.

Although not as famous as London's Highgate Cemetery or Pére-Lachaise in Paris, it, nevertheless, is one of the most beautiful places I've seen in a long time.


Its roster of those interred reads like a Who's Who of the history of Texas and Houston. Locals will recognize many names on the tombstones, and I encourage you to check into the tours provided by Preservation Houston. At the least, pick up a brochure and guide at the office before striking out.


Bordered by Washington and Memorial Drive, the cemetery covers 85 acres, of which 18 acres are reserved for future development, so yes, you too, can be buried here.


In the shadow of downtown Houston, the cemetery is beautiful and so verdant, and boasts some of the oldest oak trees of Houston.
The cemetery is often known as the Cemetery of Angels, so without much comment, here are a few of the angels keeping watch.





An avenging angel guarding the grave of a murdered occupant.












And one of the most famous monuments of all, the Angel of Grief.

I highly recommend you take the time for a stroll--walking shoes advised- and see for yourself one of the most historical and beautiful locations in all of Houston.

14 comments:

  1. This is amazing! I never knew such a beautiful cemetery existed! Those Angels...Wow... I'm booking my spot right now, lol..actually I think I may need to save first. Thank you for sharing such an extraordinary post, Sally xx

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  2. You probably don't consider me to be one of your Houston friends but I was born there :) This is one my most favorite posts of yours. Love, love the angels statues. I may have to get you take me there on my next visit to our hometown if we ever manage to catch you in town again.

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  3. So beautiful and haunting. What a beautiful cemetery! Thanks for sharing.

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  4. This is absolutely gorgeous. Cementarys are amongst the most lovely places to take ART TOURS for their lovely sculptures! There is one in Minneapolis that is the "home" of many famous people. One of the biggest monuments there is for the MARS candy mogul!!!

    THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR VISITING! Do watch us in the sky as we hover over your BEAUTIFUL ENGLAND!!! teeeheee.....

    Anita

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  5. It is absolutely gorgeous! And as a Texan I am ashamed that I didn't know about it before. Thanks for informing me :)

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  6. Sorry, I don't think I have ever posted, but I love reading your blog. We have been to England once, and plan to do so again. We love old cemeteries, and I have collected angels forever. We live near the OK border in TX, so we must get to Houston one day.

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    1. So nice to meet you this way--thanks for stopping by!

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  7. Debi, I love Glenwood. Have been having lunch hour picnics there for years!

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  8. Oh it has been years since I have been to Glenwood. My Aunt and a older friend of mine are buried there and have not been since their funerals.
    I too thought it was the most beautiful place I have ever seen.
    Thanks so much for sharing these pics it makes me want to take a day and go there.
    Love
    Maggie

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  9. What a beautiful spot. I look forward to taking a tour when I am in Houston on a cool fall day.

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