Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, Massachusetts is often described as a literary pilgrimage site for those who come to pay respects at Authors Ridge, where they may visit the graves of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Louisa May Alcott.
It is a bit of a climb to the top of the Ridge.
Henry David Thoreau’s family marker. Visitors often leave pencils at Thoreau’s site, both as a tribute to his writing , as well as his family’s ownership of a pencil factory. (I did not see any pencils during my visit.)Nathaniel Hawthorne’s grave site. In 2006, his wife and daughter were interred beside him.The Alcott Family MarkerFlowers, stones and written tributes have been carefully placed on Louisa May Alcott’s Grave.
A stone marker leads the way to Emerson’s grave.
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s rose quartz stone.The inscription is from Emerson’s poem, “The Problem,” which reads: “The passive Master lent his hand/ to the vast soul that o’er him planned,” reflecting his Transcendentalist ideas about the divine in humanity.
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What a coincidence, I recently read a novel by Alice Hoffman (who lives near here) that mentioned this cemetery and Hawthorne particularly, woven into the story. ‘The Invisible Hour’ if you are interested. 🙂
Yes, Alcott was incredible. It’s hard to imagine such a group of powerful, thoughtful writers living in one town, and sharing such high ideals. We need people like that today in this country!
I have walked here many times, alone or with guests. You have really captured it. And isn’t it interesting how the original makers for some of these American icons are just humble initials?
Never heard of this graveyard before. Really enjoyed learning about it.
It’s quite a place to visit and think about those writers and their ideals, especially nowadays…..
Thank you. Concord is such a great town for history buffs.
What a coincidence, I recently read a novel by Alice Hoffman (who lives near here) that mentioned this cemetery and Hawthorne particularly, woven into the story. ‘The Invisible Hour’ if you are interested. 🙂
I’ll look that up!
Thanks for sharing. Interesting site, as those are worldwide known authors. And…so much wisdom in Alcott’s words.
Yes, Alcott was incredible. It’s hard to imagine such a group of powerful, thoughtful writers living in one town, and sharing such high ideals. We need people like that today in this country!
Agreed. 😊
Fascinating. There is always a pipe left on the grave of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s gravestone, not far from us.
Oh, I would like to visit that grave!
Here is the next best thing: https://derrickjknight.com/2013/01/01/happy-new-year/ You may need to enlarge he photograph
Thanks! That was really interesting. I had no idea about him being buried differently the first time.
Gone but not forgotten. Especially love the quotes from Louisa May Alcott.
Louisa was so ahead of her time. How strong she was!
I didn’t know these existed! Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is the very first book I ever read that ignited my love for reading.
Louisa was so gifted. Today you can tour her house, nearby the cemetery, which is fascinating.
Thank you for visiting!
I have walked here many times, alone or with guests. You have really captured it. And isn’t it interesting how the original makers for some of these American icons are just humble initials?
I’m so glad you like it! And yes, those were humbler times, indeed!