Richmond: Hollywood Cemetery Lore and Civil War Walking Tour

Richmond’s iconic Hollywood Cemetery offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s storied past. This 2-hour walking tour guides visitors through the 135-acre grounds, unveiling the final resting places of notable figures like Jefferson Davis and James Monroe. Along the way, knowledgeable local experts share intriguing tales of the Civil War, yellow fever, and local legends – including the mysterious "Richmond Vampire." With a comfortable pace and engaging narratives, the tour immerses participants in Richmond’s rich history. What secrets lay hidden within the cemetery’s scenic paths and significant gravesites?

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Walking Tours In Richmond Virginia.

Key Points

• Explore the 135-acre Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, featuring the gravesites of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and 5th U.S. President James Monroe.
• Discover intriguing local legends, including the mysterious "Richmond Vampire" and a Titanic survivor buried within the cemetery.
• Learn about the cemetery’s connection to the Civil War, as well as stories of disease outbreaks and other historical events.
• See unique landmarks like the Newfoundland statue and a local rockstar’s Viking funeral during the guided walking tour.
• Enjoy a captivating 2-hour experience led by knowledgeable local guides who provide insights into the cemetery’s rich history and significance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The "Richmond: Hollywood Cemetery Lore and Civil War Walking Tour" offers visitors a captivating 2-hour exploration of the 135-acre Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond.

Priced at $32 per person, the tour starts at the cemetery’s front office and takes guests through significant sites, including the gravesites of notable figures like Jefferson Davis and James Monroe.

Along the way, the knowledgeable local guide shares tales of war, disease, and local legends.

While the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, it promises an interactive and informative experience for participants able to walk more than a mile.

Reservations can be made online, with a pay later option available.

Experience Highlights

Visitors can explore 135 acres of Hollywood Cemetery, uncovering stories of war, disease, and local legends.

They’ll visit the gravesites of notable figures like Jefferson Davis, James Monroe, and a Titanic survivor. Along the way, they’ll hear tales of the Civil War, yellow fever, and the mysterious Richmond vampire.

The tour also explores the Newfoundland statue and a local rockstar’s Viking funeral. Guided along the James River, guests will learn from knowledgeable local experts about the cemetery’s rich history and significance.

Tour Features

Seasoned local guides lead the 2-hour walking tour, sharing well-researched historical accounts of Hollywood Cemetery’s 14 significant sites.

The tour features:

• Live, experienced guides with a deep knowledge of the cemetery’s rich history
• An express security check to skip the line and begin the tour promptly
• Comfortable, easy-to-follow walking pace suitable for most visitors
• Restrictions in place to ensure a respectful and engaging experience, such as no smoking, alcohol, or video recording allowed

Though not suitable for those with mobility issues or unable to walk over a mile, the tour offers an immersive and informative exploration of Richmond’s iconic Hollywood Cemetery.

What to Bring and Restrictions

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are musts for participants on the Richmond: Hollywood Cemetery Lore and Civil War Walking Tour.

Smoking, alcohol, drugs, video recording, and making noise are strictly prohibited. This policy ensures a respectful and focused experience for all attendees.

The tour operates rain or shine, so guests should be prepared for the prevailing weather conditions.

With these simple guidelines in place, visitors can fully enjoy the captivating history and stories that unfold during the 2-hour walking tour, without distractions or disruptions.

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Customer Reviews

According to customer reviews, the Richmond: Hollywood Cemetery Lore and Civil War Walking Tour has consistently earned a stellar 5/5 rating based on six online reviews.

Reviewers highlighted the tour’s engaging and informative guides, who demonstrated a high level of professionalism and knowledge.

The interactive and fun tour experience was also praised, with one reviewer describing it as "a perfect blend of history and storytelling."

Customers appreciated the tour’s focus on the cemetery’s significant sites, including the gravesites of notable figures and tales of war, disease, and local legends.

The tour’s exceptional ratings underscore its ability to captivate and educate visitors.

• Engaging and informative guides
• Interactive and fun tour experience
• High level of professionalism and knowledge demonstrated by guides
• Focus on the cemetery’s significant sites and historical narratives

Exploring the Cemetery

What treasures await visitors as they explore the 135-acre expanse of Hollywood Cemetery? Beyond the rolling hills and winding paths, the cemetery holds a wealth of history and legend.

Visitors will discover the gravesites of renowned figures like Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy, and James Monroe, the fifth U.S. president. They’ll also uncover tales of the mysterious "Richmond Vampire" and the Titanic survivor buried within.

The cemetery’s Newfoundland statue and a local rockstar’s Viking funeral further captivate, painting a vivid picture of Richmond’s diverse cultural heritage.

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, the cemetery’s secrets unfold, offering a unique and immersive experience for all who explore its hallowed grounds.

Notable Figures and Legends

Amidst the rolling hills and winding paths of Hollywood Cemetery lie the final resting places of numerous notable figures who’ve left an indelible mark on Richmond’s history.

Among them are:

• Jefferson Davis, the only president of the Confederate States of America, who’s interred in a prominent memorial.
• James Monroe, the 5th President of the United States, whose grave is adorned with a grand obelisk.
• Ellen Lavinia Brown, a Titanic survivor who escaped the ill-fated ship’s sinking.
• The "Richmond Vampire," a mysterious figure whose grave has become the subject of numerous local legends and ghost stories.

These and other captivating tales await visitors on the cemetery’s guided tour, providing a window into Richmond’s storied past.

Guided Walking Tour Experience

The guided walking tour of Hollywood Cemetery offers visitors an immersive journey into Richmond’s storied past.

For two hours, a seasoned local guide leads participants through the 135-acre grounds, stopping at 14 significant sites that reveal the city’s rich history. Guests explore the gravesites of notable figures, such as Jefferson Davis and James Monroe, and learn about tales of war, yellow fever, and the mysterious "Richmond vampire."

Along the way, they investigate curiosities like the Newfoundland statue and a local rockstar’s viking funeral.

With a high level of professionalism and knowledge, the guides ensure an engaging and informative experience for all who embark on this unique walking tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour operator’s policies prohibit bringing any animals, as they want to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for all participants.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is not recommended for young children. It covers sensitive topics like war, disease, and death that may not be suitable for minors. However, older children accompanied by adults may find the historical content engaging.

Do the Guides Offer Any Special Discounts or Deals?

No, the tour guides do not offer any special discounts or deals for this walking tour. The standard per-person pricing of $32 applies, without any promotional offers mentioned in the tour overview information.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or those unable to walk more than a mile. The terrain and length of the tour may pose challenges for some. Guests with disabilities should consult with the tour provider before booking.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Tour?

According to the tour information, visitors are not allowed to make video recordings during the tour. However, taking photos is permitted, as long as it does not disrupt the tour experience for others.

Recap

The Richmond: Hollywood Cemetery Lore and Civil War Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s rich history. Guided by knowledgeable experts, visitors explore intriguing tales of the Civil War, yellow fever, and local legends while navigating the scenic paths and significant gravesites of the 135-acre cemetery. With a comfortable pace and engaging narratives, this tour immerses participants in Richmond’s past, providing a unique and unforgettable experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: