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12316 Euclid Avenue
Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio: A Historic Landmark Worth Visiting
Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio: A Historic Landmark Worth Visiting
Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio, located at 12316 Euclid Avenue, is more than a burial ground. It is a historic landmark, outdoor museum, and peaceful place overlooking Lake Erie. Established in 1869, the cemetery covers nearly 300 acres and combines natural beauty, architecture, and history.
It is open to the public and free to visit year-round, making it an accessible destination for locals, travelers, and history enthusiasts. Visitors are encouraged to spend 1–2 hours exploring, wear comfortable shoes, and be respectful, as it is an active cemetery.
History of Lake View Cemetery
History of Lake View Cemetery
Lake View Cemetery was founded during the 19th-century rural cemetery movement, which aimed to create serene burial spaces outside crowded city areas. Winding roads, rolling hills, and carefully planned landscapes give it a park-like feel. Today, the cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains an important cultural and historical site.
Famous People Buried at Lake View Cemetery
Famous People Buried at Lake View Cemetery
One of the most well-known monuments is the James A. Garfield Memorial, honoring the 20th President of the United States. Visitors can climb to the observation deck for views of Cleveland and Lake Erie.
Other notable burials include:
John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil
Elliot Ness, Prohibition-era law enforcement officer
Carl B. Stokes, Cleveland’s first Black mayor
Harvey Firestone, founder of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company
These graves make Lake View Cemetery an important place to learn about Cleveland’s history and influential figures.
Architecture, Art, and Natural Beauty
Architecture, Art, and Natural Beauty
Lake View Cemetery is also known for its architecture and art. Highlights include:
Wade Memorial Chapel, featuring Tiffany stained glass
Victorian, Gothic, and Art Deco mausoleums
Sculpted monuments and memorial gardens
Tree-lined paths and seasonal flowers
Many visitors come for the peaceful setting as much as for the history. Autumn is particularly popular for photography because of the colorful fall foliage.
Why Lake View Cemetery Is a Cleveland Treasure
Why Lake View Cemetery Is a Cleveland Treasure
Lake View Cemetery preserves the legacy of Cleveland’s most influential figures while offering a quiet, reflective space. Whether you are visiting famous graves, walking the paths, or learning about history, Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio, is a historic and cultural landmark worth visiting.
References
References
Lake View Cemetery Official Website
Lake View Cemetery. “Visit Lake View Cemetery.” Accessed January 26, 2026.
https://www.lakeviewcemetery.com
National Register of Historic Places
National Park Service. “Lake View Cemetery.” Accessed January 26, 2026.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/index.htm
Encyclopedia of Cleveland History
Case Western Reserve University. “Lake View Cemetery.” Accessed January 26, 2026.
https://case.edu/ech/articles/l/lake-view-cemetery
Historical Articles on Cleveland Cemeteries
Owens, David. Cleveland Cemeteries: A Historical Overview. Cleveland History Press, 2015.
Notable Burials – James A. Garfield Memorial
Garfield Memorial Association. “James A. Garfield Memorial.” Accessed January 26, 2026.
https://www.garfieldmemorial.org
Biographical References
Biographical References
Rockefeller, John D. Biography. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-D-Rockefeller
Ness, Elliot. Biography. FBI History. https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/elliot-ness
Stokes, Carl B. Biography. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carl-B-Stokes
Firestone, Harvey S. Biography. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Harvey-S-Firestone
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