Exploring the Arboretum
Section Lindell showcases a vibrant collection of deciduous
azaleas (Rhododendron subgenus Pentanthera
- pictured here is the cultivar ‘Tiger’) planted along the trail (and along the
road Willow as you entered the Cemetery). Unlike their evergreen counterparts,
these azaleas lose their leaves in winter but reward visitors with large
intensely fragrant blooms in late spring to early summer. Their colors range
from soft pastels to fiery oranges and reds, often appearing before or
alongside new foliage. Most of these species are native to North America. This
is a unique plant collection within the Saint Louis region and the Upper
Midwest.
Significant Figures
Map Reference: Stop 9,
Letter T
Isaac
S. Taylor
Architect
| Lot #795
Isaac ‘Ike’ Stacker Taylor, Architect, was the architect’s
architect. Isaac studied under George I. Barnett (also with us at
Bellefontaine) before moving out on his own. He was the lead architect for
the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (The 1904 World’s Fair). Isaac has many
legacies, but his most noted structure would be the first monument to Thomas
Jefferson, known now as the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park.
Map Reference: Stop 9, Letter U
Jessie Arnot
Hearse which carried President Lincoln | Lot #359
Jessie Arnot, Livery Owner, possessed the finest horse-drawn
hearse in a three-state area. In April
of 1865, Jessie’s hearse was selected as the vehicle that would transport the
body of Abraham Lincoln in his final journey in Springfield, Illinois. Jessie
drove the hearse from St. Louis to Springfield utilizing a new knot he created
called the four-in-hand.
Map Reference: Stop 9,
Letter V
Peter Lindell
Real
estate, Lindell Blvd | Lot #1323
Peter Lindell, born in the year of American Independence, would find his way to St. Louis by 1811, before Missouri Statehood. Initially working as a merchant with his three brothers, Peter would be most known for his vast real estate holdings. Lindell Boulevard was within Peter’s properties and named in his honor. The brothers together would also own and manage the Lindell Hotel of St. Louis.
Map Reference: Stop 7,
Letter Q
Luther M. Kennett
Mayor
of St. Louis | Lot #341
Luther Martin Kennett was the 13th Mayor of St. Louis. His
connection to Bellefontaine Cemetery is direct. Though we are built upon the
initial 138 acres of what was known as the Hempstead Estate, the property was
secured from Luther. Kennett, Missouri, was named in his honor and Kennett
Castle overlooking the Mississippi River below St. Louis was built for Luther.
Map Reference: Stop 9,
Letter X
Silas Bent
Bent’s Fort Santa Fe Trail | Lot #322 - unmarked
Judge Silas Bent was a journalist and early jurist in the
St. Louis frontier. Bent’s Fort, located in Colorado, was named by his sons in
his honor. Silas passed in 1827 and was buried in one of St. Louis’s original
burial grounds. Located now on the Carr Family lot, Silas was moved to
Bellefontaine in 1853.
Pictured Above: Bent's Fort
Map Reference: Stop 9,
Letter Y
Lorraine R. Sharp
Angel Sculpture | Lot #185
Lorraine’s family chose to remember their loved one with one
of the newest sculptures found at Bellefontaine. The angel is now the third
piece of monumentation executed by local artist Abraham Mohler. Rich in
iconography, each element of the monumentation holds meaning and connection to
the life and passing of Lorraine. Abraham Mohler will be the 2026 Artist in
Residence of Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum.
