Unearthing Chicago's Secrets: Rosehill Cemetery's Rich and Haunting History

Welcome to Rosehill Cemetery, where history and mystery entwine in one of Chicago's most captivating landmarks. Established in 1859, this sprawling Victorian garden cemetery is more than just a final resting place for the city's notable figures. As you wander its picturesque paths, you'll uncover tales of industrial giants like Richard Sears and Aaron Montgomery Ward, and cultural icon Oscar Mayer.

Stumer Mausoleum at Rosehill Cemetery, featuring an ornate stone structure with intricate carvings, decorative columns, and a grand entrance, set in the peaceful cemetery landscape.
The Stumer Mausoleum features a bronze statue sculpted by Mario Korbel at the entrance which symbolizes the living mourning of someone who just passed onto the other side.

But Rosehill holds secrets beyond its storied past; it's a living tapestry of art and architecture. Marvel at the stunning Tiffany stained glass windows and intricate sculptures that adorn its grounds. This cemetery has become a beacon of cultural diversity, welcoming souls from all walks of life.

For those drawn to the supernatural, Rosehill's ghostly legends and paranormal activities offer an eerie allure. From mysterious mists to spectral sightings, spine-tingling tales await discovery.

Join me on a stroll through Rosehill Cemetery's rich history, artistic treasures, and haunted lore. Whether you're here for historical insight or a brush with the otherworldly, this journey promises to be both enlightening and chilling.

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Welcome to Rosehill: Where History Meets Mystery

Just six and a half miles north of Chicago, Rosehill Cemetery sprawls across 500 eerie acres, its gates first opening in 1859. This Victorian garden of the dead, with its winding paths and shimmering lakes, beckons both the living and the departed. This is the largest cemetery in the city of Chicago with a infamous history to match.

Iconic Rosehill Cemetery gate featuring intricate ironwork and historic stone pillars, marking the entrance to one of Chicago’s oldest and most famous cemeteries.
The iconic Rosehill Cemetery gate was constructed of Joliet limestone, marking the entrance to one of Chicago’s oldest and most famous cemeteries. Photo by w_lemay / CC BY-SA 2.0

Legend whispers that the cemetery's very name arose from a ghostly clerical error, transforming “Roe's Hill” into the hauntingly beautiful Rosehill we know today. As twilight falls, the castle-like Gothic entrance gate, designed by William W. Boyington in 1864, looms like a portal to another realm.

By day, families once picnicked among the tombstones, their laughter mingling with the rustle of ancient oaks. But as darkness descends, Rosehill reveals its true nature – a place where the veil between worlds grows thin, and the whispers of history echo through the night.

Notable Burials: Legends of Chicago's Elite

As twilight descends on Rosehill Cemetery, the spirits of Chicago's elite stir within their grand mausoleums. Business titans Richard Sears and Aaron Montgomery Ward rest uneasily near each other, their retail rivalry echoing through eternity. The John G. Shedd chapel shimmers with an otherworldly glow, its stained glass window rippling like the surface of his famed aquarium.

Interior of the John G. Shedd Chapel at Rosehill Cemetery, showcasing elegant stained glass windows, wooden pews, and detailed stonework in a serene and historic setting.
Photo by Nick Number /

The whispers of cultural icons like Oscar Mayer and Jack Brickhouse mingle with the ghostly march of 350 Union soldiers and 16 generals, their spectral forms still guarding the grounds.

Union Army of the Republic memorial at Rosehill Cemetery, featuring a towering statue and intricate stone monument honoring Civil War soldiers, set amidst the cemetery's historic grounds.
Photo Ron Cogswell from Arlington, Virginia /

The Rosehill Mausoleum looms, its granite exterior concealing marble halls where 30 Tiffany windows cast eerie, kaleidoscopic light. In the shadows, Mario Korbel's sculpture seems to breathe, its kneeling figure a silent sentinel in this city of the dead.

As night falls, the cemetery transforms into a haunting gallery of Chicago's past, where art and history intertwine in the realm between the living and the departed

Front exterior of Rosehill Mausoleum featuring its grand stone architecture, large pillars, and ornate detailing, set against a backdrop of trees in the historic Rosehill Cemetery.
Photo by Richie Diesterheft / In the shadowy corners of Rosehill Cemetery lie 61 victims of one of Chicago's most tragic events, the Iroquois Theatre fire. This 1903 disaster, which claimed the lives of over 600 people, left a lasting scar on the city. Many of those who perished were laid to rest in Rosehill, joining the ranks of Chicago's storied past. 

The fire, notorious for its catastrophic toll on women and children, unfolded in mere minutes, leaving families devastated and seeking solace wherever they could find it. 

As you wander through Rosehill's serene paths, you might pause to reflect on these souls whose lives were cut short in a moment of chaos and horror. Their presence adds a somber layer to the cemetery's rich tapestry of history and mystery, reminding visitors of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of tragedy.

In the mid-19th century, what is now Lincoln Park was originally Chicago's City Cemetery. However, health concerns about decomposing bodies contaminating the city's drinking water led to the decision to relocate many of the graves. 

Bodies and monuments were moved from City Cemetery to Rosehill and other cemeteries like Graceland and Calvary Catholic. This relocation was part of a broader effort to transform the old cemetery grounds into parkland, providing a healthier environment for the living. 

Today, a reminder of that historical transition is the still-standing elevator tower. This structure is unique to Rosehill Cemetery compared to other cemeteries. It allowed caskets to be moved from the railroad level where the funeral trains would bring bodies from Lincoln Park and down to the cemetery level more easily than pallbearers could.

Front exterior view of the historic funeral elevator at Rosehill Cemetery, once used to transport caskets from the railroad level to the cemetery grounds
Photo by Lost on Belmont /

Cultural Tapestry: The Diverse Heritage of Rosehill Cemetery

Rosehill Cemetery presents a fascinating paradox: while serving as a final resting place for Chicago's elite, it also maintained a progressive policy of inclusivity uncommon for its time. This openness to all faiths and ethnic origins allowed Rosehill to become a microcosm of Chicago's evolving cultural diversity.

The Scottish community's early involvement exemplifies this inclusivity. The Scottish Society purchased land within Rosehill before its official establishment, ensuring proper burials for indigent Scots. This commitment is reflected in the numerous Scottish graves near the cemetery's entrance.

Over time, Rosehill's cultural tapestry expanded. Initially dominated by European immigrants of Judeo-Christian backgrounds, the cemetery now includes plots acquired by Asian churches and organizations, further diversifying its landscape.

This blend of elite status and inclusivity makes Rosehill a unique reflection of Chicago's rich and varied heritage, showcasing how the city's diverse communities have shaped its history, the city's rich and varied heritage.

Ghostly Encounters: Paranormal Lore of Rosehill Cemetery

The cemetery is steeped in ghost stories that capture the imagination of paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs alike. 

One of the spookiest stories involves Charles Hopkinson, a real estate tycoon from the 1800s. His grand mausoleum allegedly causes eerie occurrences on the anniversary of his death. Visitors have reported hearing rattling chains and loud moaning sounds emanating from his gravesite. Maybe he is still unhappy with the cemetery for trying to prohibit the construction of his mausoleum after his death. Mary, his wife, took the cemetery to court multiple times and won each time.

Charles Hopkinson's mausoleum at Rosehill Cemetery, a grand Cathedral-esque structure, is known for eerie occurrences on his death anniversary, adding to its haunting allure.
Charles Hopkinson's mausoleum, a grand Cathedral-esque structure, is known for eerie occurrences on his death anniversary, adding to its haunting allure.

The sad but beautiful sculpture of Frances Pearce Stone and her infant daughter is encased in glass and attracts well-wishers who leave coins at its base. It is said that on certain occasions, the glass case fills with mysterious mist, adding to its spectral allure. 

Glass-encased statue of Frances Stone Pearce and her infant at Rosehill Cemetery, capturing delicate details of the mother and child memorial within the protective glass enclosure.
Photo by James Conkis /

Practical Tips for Visiting Rosehill Cemetery

Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking, as you'll want to explore the sprawling 500 acres of Rosehill. The paths can be uneven, so be prepared for a bit of adventure.

Consider a Picnic: If weather permits, bring along a picnic to enjoy among the serene surroundings—just be mindful of litter and clean up after yourself.

Attend Special Events: If you're visiting in October, check out the annual ‘Crypt' 5K Run/Walk. This event transforms the cemetery into a candlelit course, offering a unique experience that blends community engagement with a touch of spookiness.

Take a guided tour: The cemetery does not offer tours, but you can look on Eventbrite or Google search for tour providers as there are several options by different organizations.

Group tour at Rosehill Cemetery, with visitors exploring Victorian-era architecture and hearing spine-tingling ghost stories, enhancing the site's historical allure.

Stay Open-Minded: Whether you're a history buff or a paranormal enthusiast, keep an open mind as you explore. You may encounter stories that resonate with you long after your visit.

Bring sunscreen and some water. Seems silly but it's easy to get dehydrated or burnt when you are super into finding the next grave.

Make a game of your visit. Grab the Scavenger Hint worksheet in this blog post and see who can find the most items first. Make ice cream the prize or whatever treat sounds good!

Watch your step! Cemeteries are notorious for uneven surfaces, hidden tombstones that trip you up, and holes that sprain your ankles!

Stained glass window inside the Sear family mausoleum at Rosehill Mausoleum, showcasing vibrant colors and intricate designs, casting a soft glow within the historic family chamber.
Tiffany Stained Glass in the Sears Family Private Crypt in the Rosehill Mausoleum. Photo courtesy of David Habben

As we wrap up our journey through the storied paths of Rosehill Cemetery, it's clear that this remarkable site is much more than a mere resting place. It's a vibrant tapestry of Chicago's history, woven with tales of industrial titans, cultural icons, and brave soldiers who shaped the nation's destiny. The cemetery's Victorian garden design and architectural marvels, such as the Tiffany stained glass windows, offer a serene backdrop for reflection and discovery.

Beyond its historical significance, Rosehill Cemetery beckons with mystery and intrigue. Its ghostly legends and paranormal stories add an extra layer of allure, inviting those with a penchant for the supernatural to delve deeper into its secrets. Wander through its peaceful lanes, admire the artistry of its monuments, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the spectral figures said to roam these hallowed grounds.

Have you visited Rosehill Cemetery? Please share your story and photos in the Spooky Traveling Facebook group or on Instagram!

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