I was in Barnes and Noble and saw the Weird U S calendars and a book. Weird U S started as Weird NJ, a newsletter that two guys, Mark and Mark sent to their friends. It was a shear collection of odd. Eventually their idea grew to become Weird U S and now they are featured on the History Channel. The next show airs December 11.
At Barnes & Noble, there was a flyer that was asking for folks to send submissions to Weird U S. Your submission could potentially be published in one of their upcoming books. When I got home, I went to their web site to see if one of my favoite places here in the city was listed. Not seeing it on the web site, I submitted it. I've already heard from one of the Marks and he was very excited to have received my submission. Below is what I submitted. If you ever visit Richmond, you simply must check out Hollywood Cemetery.
One of the most visited tourist attractions in Richmond, Virginia is Hollywood Cemetery. It is located on the north end of the Robert E. Lee Bridge, just off the Belvidere exit of the Interstate 195 (Downtown Expressway). Overlooking the James River, this “rural-style” cemetery is perhaps America’s most beautiful garden cemetery. Visitors will find one of the finest collections of mortuary art including cast iron work, angels, and obelisks.
Designed in 1847, Hollywood Cemetery is the final resting place of many distinguished individuals including many notable Virginians such as Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, General J. E. B. Stuart, and writer Ellen Glasgow as well as Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States. Also buried here are the remains of over 18,000 Condederate dead. The cemetery takes its name from the groves of holly trees on the grounds. A map of cemetery highlights is available at the cemetery entrance. An easy way to see the following sites is to take a driving tour through the cemetery and follow the blue line painted on the road.
A cemetery is often the subject of ghosts and legends. Hollywood is no exception. Here are some stories associated with Hollywood Cemetery :
The Pyramid:
In the Confederate section of the cemetery stands a ninety-foot pyramid which was completed in 1869. No mortar was used in the construction of this pyramid made of rough-hewn Richmond granite which made placing the capstone difficult. Apparently the crane that was used was not tall enough. A volunteer was needed to guide the capstone into position. Guiding the capstone would be quite dangerous. A sailor serving time in the state penitentiary volunteered and since no others had come forward, he was allowed to perform this task. The authorities granted the man his freedom since his chances of surviving the task were 50-50.
The pyramid is a monument to the 18,000 Confederates from all Southern States, and includes Confederate President Jefferson Davis, J.E.B Stuart, George Pickett, Matthew Fontaine Maury, and the first Confederate soldier killed during the war, Henry Lawson Wyatt. Twenty-three Confederate generals are buried here as well as soldiers from battles around Richmond and the Confederate Dead exhumed from Gettysburg in the 1870s, were re-interred here on what is now known as Gettysburg Hill. In the cornerstone of the pyramid are entombed various Confederate artifacts including a Confederate flag, a button from Stonewall Jackson's coat, and a lock of Jefferson Davis' hair.
Many people have reported seeing orbs, feeling “cold spots”, feeling their energy drain and becoming ill the next day when visiting near the pyramid.
Winnie Davis
After first being buried in New Orleans, Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy, was moved to
Hollywood Cemetery in 1893. Here he rests with his other family members including his daughter Winnie. Winnie is said to have died from a broken heart because she unfortunately fell in love with a Yankee. Her young beau, Alfred Wilkinson, was the grandson of a staunch abolitionist and was rejected by Jefferson Davis when he for permission to marry Winnie. Winnie’s health began to deteriorate over the next year, so much so that her father changed his mind. But he changed it too late. Winnie died without ever marrying at the age of thirty-four. There is an angel in mourning at her grave which is said to shed tears.
The Iron Dog
This cast iron dog can be found keeping watch over a little girl’s grave. The dog stood outside a shop in the bustling city of Richmond and a little girl used to pass by it on her way to school. She would stop and pet the dog and talk to it. The little girl died of scarlet fever. When the store owner learned of her death, he presented to iron dog to the family so that the dog could keep watch over her grave. Also, the Civil War began shortly after the girl died and some people believe that the dog was placed in the cemetery to prevent it from being melted down and used in the war effort. The dog was made by Haywood and Bartlett Iron Company of Baltimore, Maryland. It was their company mascot and was made between 1859-1898.
Since this dog is said to guard her grave, it comes to life to chase people from her gravesite. It has also been known to move on occasion. Many people have reported seeing it pointed in one direction and passing it later, it was pointed in another direction.
The Marble Lady
At the grave of Colonel Thomas Branch, one will find a most beautiful, life-size marble lady. Col. Branch founded Merchants Bank which became a part of Bank of America. The lady is said to come to life every year on the day of his death and momentarily looks up at onlookers, with tears in her eyes. She then resumes her position.
The Richmond Vampire
There are many vaults in Hollywood Cemetery. Some are ornate and finely decorated, but the vault of William Wortham Pool is not particularly interesting in design or decoration. What is interesting about this vault is the legend that surrounds Mr. Pool. An accountant with a rare blood disease, he is rumored to have been banished from England for vampirical practices. Mr. Pool died in the early 1920s and there have been reports of a being leaving and entering the tomb many times through the years. There have also been reports that the tomb has been broken into on the equinoxes and at Halloween by Satan worshippers and the remains of Mr. Pool spread around the cemetery arranged in symbols of the occult. The door to the vault is now sealed shut, Mr. Pool's remains have been relocated and the gate at the entrance is locked with a chain.
