Featuring countless sculptured works that depict a variety of topics and subjects, the Green Mount Cemetary contains tombstones and memorials that celebrate the community of Montpelier, Vermont. Set amidst the rolling hills of the region, Green Mount Cemetery is connected to a legacy for Montpelier but also to a sense of eternity that spans audiences and eras.
The Stories and History of Montpelier
The 35 acres on which the Green Mount Cemetery is located were acquired in 1854. It’s a prime example of a “garden cemetery” of the time that were focused on themes of spirituality and a more personal connection to death. Many of the tombstones are tied to this era to uniquely tell the stories of the people represented by these tombstones and memorials.
What is sometimes called the “cursed stone” was commissioned by John E. Hubbard, who was a Montpelier businessman. Though it actually depicts a man with a cape draped around himself, the large statue on the grave has become known as Black Agnes. The title of the statue is “Thanatos,” which means “Death” in Greek.
The gravestone of “Little Margaret” was created to commemorate Margaret Pitkin who died when she was only 7 years old. Supposedly, the family initially refused to pay for the stonework because they said a button was missing from one of the shoes, only for the artisans to show them a picture that depicted the little girl with that same missing button. Visitors often leave coins or other mementos on the grave, highlighting the continual connection with audiences.
These are the types of stories and artwork that make Green Mount Cemetery such a unique attraction that has allowed it to become featured in maps and guides to the city and region. Doing so showcases what it can mean to celebrate the legacy of individuals and an entire city.
The Legacy of Montpelier Individuals and Eras
Cemeteries are supposed to be places where visitors can experience and take in the stone and artwork that they contain to consider the deeper ramifications of life and death. Some have become attractions on account of these works of art or the notoriety of the people buried in them, but these distinctions are all connected to much deeper themes. Green Mount Cemetery is distinct in having that renown and elegance in ways that are connected to such themes but also to a legacy for many different people and eras that have come to define Montpelier and the entire region.
