You may not know it, but you’ve probably driven by Harleigh Cemetery hundreds of times. The picturesque cemetery is more than it seems, so here are four things you might not have known about the historic site. 

It’s one of the oldest cemeteries in New Jersey 

Camden County’s scenic cemetery isn’t just picturesque – it’s also historic. Its 150 acres of rolling hill, lakes and trees was established as a cemetery in 1885, and it was listed in the New Jersey Register of Historic Places in 1995. 

Harleigh has many celebrated people buried on the grounds 

The most famous grave in Harleigh Cemetery belongs to Walt Whitman, drawing lots of visitors to the cemetery to pay their respects each year. But he’s not the only notable figure to choose Harleigh as their final resting place. Three hundred Civil War soldiers are also buried at the site. In fact, the cemetery is home to the Camden County Veterans Cemetery. 

Walt Whitman designed his own grave

Before his death, famed poet Walt Whitman chose what his final resting place would look like. He pulled inspiration from “Death’s Door,” by artist William Blake, deciding his tomb would be made of thick granite to look like Blake’s etching. The tomb cost about $4,000 and always remains ajar, because Whitman wanted his soul to be free. It’s also protected by an iron gate to give Whitman and his family, who are also buried in the vault, privacy.  

They honor our veterans every year 

Every May, Harleigh Cemetery takes time to reflect on the people who sacrificed their lives for this country during a special Memorial Day service. The service is held at the Veterans Cemetery.