As with most older American cities, Baltimore is home to a number of important grave monuments and markers. Some of the cemetery markers are an important part of the country's history, while others pay homage to famous people laid to rest within Baltimore. Although perhaps not the most popular tourist attractions, these sites are appreciated by those with a historical interest in the city and its residents.
The Baltimore National Cemetery is built on land that formerly comprised an estate known as Cloud Capped. In the mid- to late-1930s, the land was converted to a cemetery and the old mansion and other buildings were dismantled. There are six special monuments in this cemetery. Each one represents one of the WWII Marine Divisions from the cemetery.
Although Edgar Allen Poe was originally buried in an unmarked grave, over the years efforts were made to ensure that the author was given the respect he was due. Miss Sara Sigourney Rice raised funds toward the creation of a more proper monument to Poe. As a result, George A. Fredrick designed an 80-inch-tall marble monument that was dedicated in 1875. Poe's remains were moved to the front of the cemetery where the marker was erected. This monument is located in Westminster cemetery. There is also a marker in the cemetery at the site of Poe's original grave. For 60 years, a man would secretively approach this site on Poe's birthday and leave cognac and roses on Poe's grave. The "Poe Toaster" was last seen in 2009.
The Maryland Sons Monument is located in Loudon Park National Cemetery in Baltimore. Dedicated in 1885 and commissioned by the Loyal Women of Maryland, it features a copy of a frieze from the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The frieze was replicated exactly in bas relief, as those working on the monument were allowed to cast from the original.
Another major cemetery in the city of Baltimore is the Green Mount Cemetery. Green Mount is home to many minor grave monuments that are of interest to historians of Baltimore's past. This graveyard is home to both famous and infamous monuments, as some tourists visit the small and non-glorified resting place of John Wilkes Booth. Other monuments are placed at the resting places of several generals, governors and mayors of Baltimore.
