Old City Cemetery
Shockoe Hill Cemetery, Richmond Virginia
Shockoe Hill Cemetery, located in Richmond, Virginia, is one of the oldest cemeteries in the city with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Established in 1822, it is often referred to as the "Westminster Abbey of the South" due to its historical significance and the notable individuals buried there.
Shockoe Hill Cemetery became the final resting place for many prominent Virginians, including politicians, military figures, business leaders, and cultural icons. Some of the notable individuals buried at Shockoe Hill Cemetery include John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court; George Wythe, a signer of the Declaration of Independence; and Elizabeth Van Lew, a Union spy during the Civil War.
During the Civil War, Shockoe Hill Cemetery was used as a burial ground for soldiers from both the Union and Confederate armies. The cemetery also served as a temporary burial site for victims of epidemics that swept through Richmond, including the yellow fever outbreaks in the 1850s and 1860s.
Like many old cemeteries, Shockoe Hill Cemetery has a long history and may have accumulated various legends, stories, and rumors about paranormal occurrences over the years. Some people may claim to have had supernatural experiences or encounters while visiting the cemetery, such as hearing strange sounds, seeing apparitions, or feeling a sense of unease.