The Sleepy Hollow Cemetery

The Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is situated on the easterly bank of the Hudson River, at Tarrytown, County of Westchester, and is fourteen miles north of the boundary line of the city of New York. It is easily accessible and its surroundings will probably protect it for centuries to come from the inevitable fate which, earlier or later, overtakes all burial places which check the growth of cities.

The cemetery belongs to the plot owners, every one of whom is entitled to a voice in its management and control. It is in no sense a speculative enterprise, but is an earnest effort to supply a resting place for the dead. Its lands are exempt from taxation, and the plots cannot be sold upon execution for debt issued against the plot owner. The plots become absolutely inalienable after a burial is made in them, except with the consent and upon an order issued by the Supreme Court. The humane policy of the law provides that the repose of the dead shall not be disturbed by hungry greed or cruel misfortune.

It is without rival in the grandeur and beauty of its location. Its surface is undulating, and presents every variety of landscape. Its knolls command long stretches of Hudson River scenery, running many miles north and south. The Pocantico River, a beautiful stream, ripples through it. No spot on the entire American continent is richer in legendary lore or fuller of historical incidents. Sleepy Hollow has a place in the classical literature of the country. A portion of its territory was fortified and stoutly maintained by the patriots during the American Revolution. Many of the old war-worn heroes are buried near by – still presumably holding vigil over the redoubt which they there threw up. Every step in the development of this country has its record there. The early settlers buried their loved ones there, and every succeeding generation has contributed its quota. Millions of dollars have already been spent in commemorating these dead. The spot is so rich in material wealth, and so strong in historical association that it is incredible that it will ever be diverted from the sacred purpose to which it is now consecrated.