A perk of living in New York is that you’ve more than likely spotted a celebrity or person holding some significance at least once, even if you don’t reside in the Big Apple. But here’s a good way to pick your brain, how many historical figures and famous people do you know of that are buried in New York?
1. Harry Houdini - Machpelah Cemetery, New York City
Born in the country of Hungary and taking his last breath in Michigan, the famous magician now rests in a run down cemetery in New York City. Stories have long been told that his wife would set up rituals at his grave every Halloween for ten years after he passed, hoping her life companion would return back to her. If you aren't familiar with how Houdini died, the story is quite interesting in a sad sort of way. The magician had always claimed that if prepared, he could withstand any type of blow to his abdomen. After being hit several times, the star would suffer from appendicitis. After refusing medical attention, his appendix would rupture and be the death of him.
2. Babe Ruth - Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Mount Pleasant
Also known as George Herman Ruth Junior, baseball's most famous player took his final resting spot at a Mount Pleasant cemetery. Born in Maryland and passing in New York City, you can frequently see his grave decorated in baseball memorabilia and other tokens of affection.
3. Rick James - Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo
Here's one you may not know about! While you may associate the star with the glamorous Los Angeles lifestyle, Rick James was actually raised in the city of Buffalo! The musician passed away in 2004 and his grave is not hard to miss, considering it has an image of him right on the headstone.
4. Susan B. Anthony - Mount Hope Cemetery, Rochester
Alongside the rest of her family, women's rights advocate Susan B. Anthony can be found resting in Rochester. In recent years her grave has been visited more frequently with the United States having a woman as a presidential candidate. Susan's grave has been known to receive thank you notes and flowers for all that she has done for women, an important person in our history that will never be forgotten.
5. Harriet Tubman - Fort Hill Cemetery, Auburn
Born in Maryland, Harriet Tubman would pass away in New York's city of Auburn. An activist and humanitarian, many items are often seen being left at Harriet's grave by those who desire to feel a connection with her. Every year during the Spring a service is held at her grave to honor her, drawing in hundreds of people.
6. Mark Twain - Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira
The well-known writer can be visited out in the city of Elmira, where he would take his final resting place after passing away in 1910. Strangely enough, many believe that Twain's ghost can be seen in New York City's famous "House of Death". The house is said to be haunted by over twenty ghosts, one of them being Twain who reportedly lived in the building for a year during the early 1900's. Creepy!
7. George Eastman - Eastman Business Park, Rochester
A New York native, Eastman would commit suicide back in 1932 after he felt his work on Earth had been completed. Although he wanted to buried near his mother, Eastman can be visiting his final resting place, a drum-like grave. If you don't care to visit Eastman's grave, you can visit the world's oldest museum dedicated to photography, which was one Eastman's residence.
Click here, to learn about 11 Fascinating Things You Probably Never Knew About The George Eastman Museum In New York!
8. Malcolm X - Ferncliff Cemetery, Greenburgh
One of the most well-known human rights activists, Malcolm X takes his final resting place in New York after being assassinated in New York City. While his headstone may be one of the smallest on our list, his gravesite is actually quite easy to find.
9. Sir Miles Davis - Woodlawn Cemetery, New York City
Well-known for his skill of playing the trumpet, the musician is noted as being one of the most influential figures in jazz. To date, his grave is still frequently visited and celebrated.
10, Lucille Ball - Lake View Cemetery, Jamestown
Born in Jamestown, New York, the famous actress will never be forgotten by the locals and residents of this small city. In Jamestown you'll not only find Lucille Ball's grave marker, but you'll also be able to visit Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum & Center For Comedy that will instantly take you back in time. The city features a life-size statue dedicated to Lucille and constantly carries her memory through the ages.
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