The Modern Necropolis

Social Roles

Cemeteries have historically served as more than just resting places for the dead; they were vibrant social spaces within towns. Keith Egnor, a professor of architectural history, explains that cemeteries were once bustling hubs where tradesmen sought work and farmers grazed their cattle, believing the grass was richer 1. This communal use of burial grounds was common until urban expansion and health concerns necessitated a shift. Avery Trufelman notes that the rural cemetery movement, exemplified by Mount Auburn Cemetery, transformed these spaces into serene landscapes, influencing the design of public parks like Central Park in New York 2.

These cemeteries then served as the model for some of our nation's first public parks.

--- Keith Egnor

This evolution reflects a broader change in how society interacts with spaces for the deceased.

   

Urban Displacement

Urban expansion in the early 20th century led to the displacement of cemeteries in San Francisco, a rare occurrence in the United States. Roman Mars describes how San Francisco's cemeteries were cleared to make way for urban development, with bodies moved to Colma 3. This mass relocation involved approximately 150,000 bodies, and the process was conducted with respect, ensuring the deceased were memorialized. Maureen Oconnor from the Colma Historical Society highlights that headstones from these cemeteries were repurposed throughout the city, including as erosion control along Ocean Beach 3.

The deceased in the mass graves were blessed and memorialized and accounted for in records.

--- Roman Mars

This transformation underscores the impact of urbanization on historical burial practices.