Points of Interest: A Definitive Architectural and Landscape Guide
Bellefontaine Cemetery is more than a final resting place—it is a 314-acre outdoor museum, a certified Level III Arboretum, and a nationally recognized landmark. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Cemetery is a celebrated urban oasis often voted St. Louis's best-hidden gem and a strong rival to the city's well-known botanical garden. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in history, nature, and world-class funerary architecture any day of the year. Whether you prefer a self-guided tour (maps available at the office), following the White Line Tour, or joining one of our many guided tours and special events, Bellefontaine offers a tranquil and unforgettable experience.
welcome everyone.
Iconic Monuments and Sculptural Art
These sites honor specific individuals and families, featuring unique sculptural elements and powerful historical narratives.
The Perpetual Mourner
Francis Family Plot
This dramatic bronze monument, widely known as "The Perpetual Mourner," marks the resting place of David Rowland Francis (1850–1927) and his family. David was one of the most influential political and civic leaders in Missouri history, serving as:
Mayor of St. Louis (1885–1889)
Governor of Missouri (1889–1893)
U.S. Secretary of the Interior under President Grover Cleveland (1896–1897)
President of the 1804–1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition (the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair)
U.S. Ambassador to Russia during the 1917 Russian Revolution
Sculpted by renowned Romanian-born artist George Julian Zolnay—who also served as the director of the St. Louis School of Fine Arts—the bronze figure depicts a shrouded, grieving woman draped in silent sorrow across the stone monument. Commissioned in memory of David's wife, Jane Perry Francis, the sculpture stands as one of the most poignant, iconic, and frequently photographed examples of funerary art at Bellefontaine Cemetery.
The William Clark Monument
This prominent monument honors the renowned explorer William Clark (of the Lewis and Clark Expedition). The design is historically significant, featuring subtle Masonic symbolism that reflects William’s prominent affiliation with the fraternal order during his life in St. Louis.
William Ordway Partridge sculpted the bust, lion head, and bear head. William Cottrell created the granite design.
The Herman Luyties Monument
Nicknamed “The Girl in the Glass Box”, this unique grave belongs to Herman Luyties, the founder and president of the Sanitol Chemical Laboratory Company. Herman commissioned Federico Bringiotti, an Italian sculptor, to create this memorial piece similar to Giulio Monteverde’s “Angel of the Resurrection”, which is a likeness of Monteverde’s then model, Lola Mora. She is encased in a granite “box” with a glass front due to the fact that she is made of marble, and at the time of her requested installation, the Cemetery had changed its rules to only allow monuments made from granite.
The Chris von der Ahe Monument
This monument Honors Chris von der Ahe, the German immigrant and colorful owner of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team (then known as the St. Louis Brown Stockings). The statue of Chris standing here once stood outside his ballpark—a controversial self-tribute that sparked public debate.
The William S. Burroughs Grave
William S. Burroughs (1914–1997) is easily the most famous writer buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery. A prominent author of the Beat Generation known for books like Naked Lunch and Junkie, his modest grave is located just next to the imposing obelisk of his wealthy inventor father. It is a frequent pilgrimage site for fans, who often leave tokens of tribute, such as pens, notes, and other small symbolic items, on the gravestone.
The Anton Griesedieck Tomb
This Tomb honors Anton Griesedieck, who brought his family’s brewing tradition from Germany to St. Louis. The central granite gravestone features a bust of Anton himself, topped by a sculpture of a woman in mourning. The monument stands near the graves of other members of this important St. Louis brewing family.
The James B. Eads Tomb
This Tomb marks the resting place of James B. Eads, the brilliant engineer who designed the Eads Bridge, the first steel-truss bridge in the world. His contributions to Civil War ironclads and monumental civil engineering are recognized at this site.
Lorraine Renee 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.
Hilts
Grieving angel. A unique marker noted for its distinct commemorative style.
Other Noteworthy Monuments:
- The O'Fallon Monument: Marks the burial site of one of St. Louis's early influential families.
Contemplative Spaces and Trails
These enchanting locations offer tranquil environments, featuring meticulously crafted pathways that promote self-reflection and contemplation. The expansive landscapes not only provide ample opportunities for leisurely pursuits but also foster a profound appreciation for the intricate beauty of the natural world. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of nature, allowing for a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, while also encouraging a deeper connection with the environment around them.
Wildwood Valley Gardens
Wildwood Valley Gardens The Wildwood Valley provides a secluded, naturalistic retreat between the upper and lower lakes. This area features carefully cultivated flowering gardens, walking paths, grassy terraces, and a connecting brook. It is home to the Lakeside Columbarium, offering interment options set against a peaceful, natural backdrop.
The Labyrinth
The Labyrinth A unique and contemporary feature, The Labyrinth is a pathway laid out in granite or natural stone designed for walking meditation and quiet reflection. It offers visitors a non-denominational, purposeful route for spiritual contemplation away from the formal monuments.
Walking Trails
With 14 miles of paved roads and rolling acres, the Cemetery offers several self-guided walking routes and thematic tours. Maps are available at the main office. These routes highlight different aspects of the Cemetery's history, arboretum, and architecture.
Unique Time Pieces
Bellefontaine features several monuments that incorporate timekeeping and cyclical symbolism into their design.
The Severson Monument
The Severson Monument This striking monument was designed by William Conrad Severson, an internationally renowned sculptor, to memorialize himself and his wife. What makes this memorial so unique is that during the Fall and Spring Equinox, at Solar Noon, the obelisk acts as a sundial, casting a cross of light on the ground.
Join us at solar noon on the Summer and Winter Solstices and Vernal and Autumnal Equinoxes to watch the phenomenon of this uniquely crafted memorial.
The Mackey Sundial
A significant monument that uses celestial alignment to keep time, reminding visitors of the eternal nature of memory and the passage of life.
The Cascade Mausoleum Sundial Feature
A modern architectural piece that also functions as a highly precise sundial, commemorating an important family date annually by illuminating a cross.
Architectural Masterpieces (Mausoleums and Chapel)
While we encourage visitors to explore these in depth on our dedicated Mausoleum Tour, they remain essential points of interest for their architectural significance.
The Wainwright Tomb
Hotchkiss Chapel
The Lemp Mausoleum
The Busch Mausoleum
Engage with History
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Do you have a personal story, family research, or historical information to share about an individual interred at Bellefontaine? We welcome contributions to help us expand and enrich our historical archives. Email the Cemetery Chronicler.
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If you are researching your family history and need records or location information for a loved one buried at Bellefontaine, our team is here to help guide your search. Submit a Genealogy Inquiry.
