Mount Moriah Cemetery

You’d never guess that Philly is home to a 400 acre abandoned cemetery, that’s not only Pennsylvania’s biggest graveyard, it’s also technically not owned… by anyone.  Originally established in the 1800s,Mt. Moriah Cemetery was only 54 acres, but over the years grew to encompass over 380 acres, and hundreds of burial plots. The unforgettable Romanesque entrance and abandoned gatehouse, makes it one of the most recognizable graveyards ever… you know, if you’re into that kinda thing, of course.  The last person to be buried on the grounds was the only remaining member of the Mount Moriah Cemetery Association, and with that, the massive graveyard fell into complete disarray. Today much of the cemetery is completely abandoned. The overgrown plants, toppled headstones, and crumbling mausoleums make it something right out of a Tim Burton movie.  It’s easy to get lost inside the cemetery, so make sure when you visit you and your pals have a buddy system worked out. Other than that, bring your camera because there’s quite literally a photo-op around every corner. It’s one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in PA, and with fall in full swing, you couldn’t pick a more perfect time of year to take a stroll.  -Roadtrippers Established in the early 1800's, this cemetery was the original resting place for Betsy Ross and her husband until they were relocated the the Ross House in 1975.  In the mid and late 1800's many cemeteries in the city were relocated to Mt. Moriah Cemetery.  The cemetery also is home to a National Cemetery, the Mount Moriah Naval Cemetery Soldier's Lot. Mount Moriah Cemetery is a historic cemetery in southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, along Cobbs Creek. It was incorporated on March 27, 1855 and established by an act of the Pennsylvania Legislature. The cemetery, which originally occupied 54 acres (22 ha), was among a number of cemeteries established along the "rural ideal" popular at that time. An ornate Romanesque entrance and gatehouse were built of brownstone on Islington Lane, today known as Kingsessing Avenue. Mount Moriah Cemetery held a notable place among Philadelphia's grand rural cemeteries like Laurel Hill Cemetery and the Woodlands Cemetery. It was easily accessible by streetcar. Over time, Mount Moriah grew to 380 acres (150 ha), spanning Cobbs Creek into the Borough of Yeadon in adjacent Delaware County, making it the largest cemetery in Pennsylvania. For several years the cemetery has suffered from neglect and the ownership and management responsibilities of the cemetery have been in a state of confusion. Two military plots dating back to the Civil War are well cared for by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Horatio Jones, who was the last known member of the Mount Moriah Cemetery Association, died in 2004 and the cemetery closed its gates in 2011. An employee of the Association may have conducted business operations without proper authority from 2004-2011. Having no known owner, the cemetery may be in a unique legal situation in the United States. Several volunteer cleanup days have been organized by a private group, Friends of Mt. Moriah Cemetery, and progress has been made to returning the cemetery to normal condition, but, as of January 2013, the legal situation is unresolved. Expected annual maintenance costs are about $500,000.