Green-Wood Cemetery, New York

For a tranquil and picturesque experience in Brooklyn, look no further than Green-Wood Cemetery. This historic burial ground, located on the highest point of the borough, spans 478 acres of rolling hills and is adorned with over 7,000 trees, some of which are over 150 years old. A network of winding roads and footpaths connect the cemetery's numerous tombs, mausoleums, serene lakes, and pockets of wooded areas, creating an idyllic setting for leisurely strolls and contemplative wanderings.

Established in 1838 as a rural cemetery boasting views of Manhattan, Green-Wood is the eternal resting place of more than 560,000 individuals, including renowned figures from various fields of endeavor: abolitionist Henry Ward Beecher, inventors Samuel Morse and Elias Howe, artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, designer Louis Comfort Tiffany, and Susan Smith McKinney-Steward, the first African-American woman in NY state to earn a medical degree.

Be sure not to miss Battle Hill, the cemetery's highest point, accessible from Battle Avenue, which witnessed Washington's Continental Army's defeat at the hands of British and Hessian troops during the 1776 Battle of Long Island, also known as the Battle of Brooklyn. This historic event is commemorated by a majestic 7-foot statue of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom. With her raised arm pointing towards the Statue of Liberty a few miles away across the harbor, it serves as a poignant symbol.

Green-Wood Cemetery offers free admission, and upon entry, you can obtain complimentary maps to navigate the grounds. For a more in-depth exploration, consider joining a 2-hour trolley-bus tour offered on Wednesdays at 1pm (advance online booking is recommended). As you explore, keep an eye out for the vibrant green-monk parakeets nesting within the nooks of the magnificent Gothic entry gate. Legend has it that these parakeets escaped from an airport crate in the 1960s and have thrived in a colony within the cemetery ever since.

Tip:
During the summer months, it's advisable to bring mosquito repellent to ensure a comfortable visit.