FAQs
What should I expect to find at the cemeteries?
All 3 cemeteries are a peaceful oasis filled with history, art, architecture, and local lore in the heart of a bustling city. Elmwood Pinewood is Uptown Charlotte’s largest public green space, with many of the city’s finest and most interesting specimens of trees, shrubs, and flowers. You’ll find families enjoying picnics, neighbors walking dogs, and visitors exploring. The cemetery also serves as an event space throughout the year for annual fundraisers for Historic Elmwood Pinewood, Inc., runs, concerts, holiday celebrations – as well as private functions. Settlers’ looks more like a pocket park with winding brick sidewalks surrounded by tall buildings.
Where are the cemeteries and where should I park?
The easiest entrance to Elmwood Pinewood is located at 700 W. 6th Street. There is another entrance on 9th Street via Johnston Road. Visitors may park anywhere in the cemeteries. Settlers’ is located at 5th and Church Streets. Parking is available at meters and in nearby decks.
Is there a fee to visit the cemeteries?
No, there is no entrance fee but tours and special events may require a ticket purchase. Private guided group or individual walking tours may be arranged by calling the City Cemetery office at 704.336.2123 or emailing information@historicelmwoodpinewood.org. A donation to HEPI is recommended.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs on leashes are welcome, but please clean up after your pets and do not allow them on the monuments. Due to City ordinance, dogs are not permitted at some of our larger special events. See specific event information for details.
Are picnics permitted?
Picnics are permitted on public grounds; however, grills and fires are not.
Are tours available?
Private guided group or individual walking tours may be arranged by calling the City Cemetery office at 704.336.2123 or emailing information@historicelmwoodpinewood.org. A donation to HEPI is recommended.
Are the cemeteries full?
Settlers’ is closed to any burials. Elmwood/Pinewood continues to have space for sale. Contact the City Cemetery office at 704.336.2123 for information.
Are Confederate soldiers buried in these cemeteries?
Only Elmwood has Confederate soldiers. Some are buried in a special area while others can be found throughout the cemetery.
Why are African Americans only buried in Pinewood?
These cemeteries were developed when slavery still existed. Today, of course, anyone may be buried wherever they purchase a plot.
What is Potter’s Field?
Potter’s Field is where paupers, or people who could not afford to be buried in a private lot, were buried. People without families to handle their arrangements were also buried here at city expense. Few markers exist in Potter’s Field today, but don’t misunderstand — many graves were originally marked with wooden markers and some had none at all.
Who can be buried in the cemeteries?
Settlers’ has been closed for many years. Elmwood Pinewood remain as active cemeteries, with approximately one burial per month. Interested persons should contact the City Cemetery office at 704.336.2123.
How can I find out where a specific person is buried?
Contact the City Cemetery office at 704.336.2123 for Elmwood Pinewood. In Settlers’ there is a large bronze plaque listing those buried and next to it is a large bronze map. HEPI hopes to provide this information online and at the renovated Gardner’s House as fundraising allows.
Who owns and manages the cemeteries?
The City of Charlotte owns all 3 cemeteries and manages maintenance and burials. Historic Elmwood Pinewood (HEPI), established in 2019, is the nonprofit “friends” group for the cemeteries. With the City, it manages tours, events, restoration projects and raises funds beautification and preservation. Donations are appreciated.
Who owns the monuments within the cemeteries?
Monuments are privately owned and, as such, owners are responsible for their maintenance. Unfortunately, most monuments no longer have families to care for them. That is why HEPI has gotten involved. We want to restore and preserve this extraordinary space.
Why are some markers damaged or missing?
Most markers that are damaged or missing are not victims of vandalism. Sometimes markers simply sink into the ground and are covered up by grass and dirt. Others are damaged due to age, pollution, weather, erosion or lawnmowers. To prevent additional damage, please do not climb or walk on headstones, monuments, markers or walls. Rubbings are not allowed. HEPI plans a major fundraising effort to repair these monuments.
What are the needs of the cemeteries?
HEPI needs funding for approximately $5 million of restoration and preservation work at the Gardner’s House, monuments, mausolea and graves.
What can I do to help?
Volunteer your time and expertise. You can also make a donation or tell a friend about the cemetery. Click here for more information.