Bob's grave

For many New Yorkers, the mention of "Bob's grave" and an address like "M236+4X, Brooklyn, NY 11218, USA" might spark curiosity or even confusion. It's important to clarify from the outset that this intriguing coordinate and informal name do not refer to a traditional campground where one might pitch a tent or park an RV. Instead, M236+4X in Brooklyn leads directly to the venerable and historic Cemetery of the Evergreens, one of New York City's significant rural cemeteries. This expansive and beautifully landscaped ground serves as a final resting place for over half a million individuals and offers a unique blend of history, serene green space, and architectural interest for those looking to explore a different facet of Brooklyn and Queens.

Far from a recreational camping site, the Cemetery of the Evergreens is a place of profound historical and cultural significance. It’s a space where the past converges with the present, inviting visitors to reflect, learn, and appreciate a carefully preserved natural environment within the urban fabric of New York City. While you won't be setting up a campfire here, you will find miles of winding paths, diverse flora, and countless stories etched in stone, making it a compelling destination for a contemplative stroll or a deep dive into local history.

The Cemetery of the Evergreens is strategically located along what is historically known as the "Cemetery Belt," straddling the border of Brooklyn and Queens, New York City. The address M236+4X, Brooklyn, NY 11218, USA, points directly to this vast and accessible site. Established and incorporated in 1849, the cemetery was a response to New York's Rural Cemetery Act, which encouraged the development of large, park-like cemeteries outside crowded Manhattan. Its primary entrance is often cited at 1629 Bushwick Avenue, Brooklyn, providing a clear access point for visitors.

Its unique position on the border of two boroughs makes it accessible to a wide range of New Yorkers. For Brooklyn residents, it's a significant historical landmark within their own borough, offering a substantial green space for peaceful walks and historical exploration. For those in Queens, particularly neighborhoods bordering the cemetery, it serves as an equally accessible and important community asset. Public transportation options, including various bus routes, likely service areas near the cemetery, making it reachable even without a private vehicle. The ease of access, combined with its substantial size (covering 225 acres of rolling hills and meadows), makes it a prominent and valuable landmark for urban dwellers seeking a quiet retreat. The cemetery’s design, influenced by notable landscape architects like Andrew Jackson Downing and Alexander Jackson Davis, ensures a beautiful and contemplative experience, even for those simply looking for a peaceful walk.

While the Cemetery of the Evergreens is not a "campground" in the traditional sense, it provides a unique set of services and a maintained environment for its primary purpose: a burial ground and a historical landscape. For visitors, these services translate into a well-managed and respectful experience:

• Burial and Memorial Services: As an active cemetery, it provides burial plots, mausoleums, and cremation services for individuals and families.
• Grounds Maintenance: The vast 225-acre property is meticulously maintained, featuring several thousand trees and flowering shrubs, ensuring a park-like setting for visitors. This includes landscaping, road upkeep, and general cleanliness.
• Historical Preservation: The cemetery is a rich repository of New York City history, with a commitment to preserving its historical integrity. It houses monuments, unique grave markers, and the final resting places of numerous historically significant individuals.
• Visitor Information: While not a typical tourist information center, the cemetery office is available during business hours (typically Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM) to assist visitors with grave locations, historical inquiries, and general information about the grounds.
• Accessibility: The gates to the cemetery are open for visitors, typically from 8 AM, with closing times varying seasonally (e.g., open until 6:00 PM in July and August), allowing ample time for exploration and reflection.

It's important to remember that these "services" are geared towards a cemetery's function, not a recreational park. Visitors are expected to respect the solemn nature of the grounds.

The Cemetery of the Evergreens is rich with features and highlights that make it a fascinating place to visit, extending far beyond the typical understanding of a "grave." Its significance lies in its history, its landscape, and the stories it holds:

• Historical Significance: Incorporated in 1849, it was once one of the busiest cemeteries in New York City. It is a testament to the Rural Cemetery movement and holds a place on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places (since November 15, 2007).
• Notable Interments: The cemetery is the final resting place for a diverse array of individuals, including actors (John Bunny, William Hickey), musicians (Adelaide Hall, Lucille Hegamin), artists (Martin Johnson Heade), politicians, and other figures who shaped New York and American history. A particularly poignant monument is dedicated to six unidentified victims of the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, whose identities were later revealed through historical research.
• Landscape Architecture: The grounds were designed with input from prominent landscape architects Andrew Jackson Downing and Alexander Jackson Davis, creating a beautiful, undulating landscape with rolling hills, sloping meadows, and thousands of trees and shrubs, providing a tranquil, park-like atmosphere.
• Green Space and Biodiversity: Within the dense urban environment, the cemetery serves as a vital green lung, offering a sanctuary for local wildlife and a peaceful escape for city dwellers. It’s a testament to the foresight of the rural cemetery movement in providing public green spaces.
• Architectural Interest: Beyond individual grave markers, visitors can observe a variety of funerary architecture, from grand mausoleums to simpler headstones, each reflecting different eras and artistic styles.
• Peaceful Retreat: For many New Yorkers, the cemetery offers a quiet and contemplative space for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying nature away from the city's usual pace. Its serene environment is often described as a place of quiet beauty.

While the name "Bob's grave" might be an informal reference to a specific interment or perhaps even a local legend, the true highlight of M236+4X is the entire Cemetery of the Evergreens itself – a sprawling historical landscape waiting to be explored.

For those interested in visiting this significant Brooklyn/Queens landmark, here is the essential contact information for the Cemetery of the Evergreens:

Address: The address M236+4X, Brooklyn, NY 11218, USA, is a Plus Code for a specific location within the cemetery. The primary entrance and administrative office are typically located at: 1629 Bushwick Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11207, USA (Note: While 11218 is in Brooklyn, the cemetery spans both Brooklyn and Queens, and the main entrance is often cited with a different zip code within Brooklyn).

Phone: (718) 455-5200 (This is the general contact number for The Evergreens Cemetery. It's advisable to call during office hours for specific inquiries.)

Website: For the most up-to-date information on visiting hours, notable interments, and specific policies, referring to the official Cemetery of the Evergreens website is recommended.

In conclusion, while "Bob's grave" at M236+4X, Brooklyn, might not lead to a traditional campground, it points to a truly remarkable and historically rich destination for New Yorkers: the Cemetery of the Evergreens. This non-denominational rural cemetery offers a unique blend of historical immersion, serene green space, and architectural beauty that makes it perfectly suitable for locals seeking a meaningful urban escape. It serves as a vital lung for the city, providing acres of peaceful pathways for contemplation, exercise, and a quiet retreat from the bustling city streets. For those interested in local history, genealogy, or simply enjoying a beautiful, well-maintained park-like setting, the Cemetery of the Evergreens provides an invaluable opportunity. It’s a place where the stories of countless New Yorkers are preserved, offering a profound sense of connection to the city's past and present, making it a compelling and accessible destination for any resident looking to explore the hidden gems of their own backyard.