It
is amazing, the different shapes and styles of cemetery stones you can find in
the graveyard. Here is a list of some of the most common, and some of the more unique.
Box
Tomb
 |
| Box Tombs
|
This
is a rectangular shaped above ground grave marker, sometimes constructed of brick
or stone with four sides and a slab top. There is no “floor,” and the body is
buried below ground. This style is very popular in the eastern and southern
parts of the U.S.
 |
| White Bronze Cradle Grave |
Cradle Grave Marker
Curbing,
or small walls, surround the grave and usually incorporates the headstone in
the design. The interior was then filled with live flowers. Many now sprout
weeds since left unattended; others have been filled with concrete to keep a
“clean” look about them. Despite the name, a cradle grave does not indicate
that a child is buried here. Today, they are called kerbed headstones.
Flat Stone |
Flat Headstones
These markers lay directly on the ground, which makes mowing easier. You will find many of these were created from cement with names and dates hand-carved into the marker during the Depression years.
 |
| Gateway Arch |
Gateway
Headstone
This
stone is usually seen on the graves of a married couple. It is made up of two
columns connected by an arch. It also known as “The Portal to Eternity.”
Grave
House
 |
| Grave Houses |
A
grave house is a building constructed over a grave to protect it from the elements
and, at one time, grave robbers. The structure resembles a tiny house with
walls and a roof; many have small windows and a door. Others have tiny openings,
which are known as spirit windows.
Individualistic
Markers
 |
These
began with angels and lions, guarding mausoleums and above ground markers.
Today, they take a decidedly personal approach as seen by these figures and icons
representing the souls of those whose graves they mark.
Ledger
Stone
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| Ledger with Cut-Away |
 |
| Flat Ledger Stone |
This
flat, rectangular stone is laid directly upon the ground and covers the grave
completely. The top is used for inscriptions or cut out designs.
Monolith
Marker
 | |
| Monolith Stone |
This
is an upright stone placed upon a base. It is very common in the cemetery.
Obelisk
 |
| Obelisk |
These
four-sided towering spires were popular in the 19th century and were
a part of the Egyptian Revival Movement; notice the top tapers into the shape
of a pyramid. These stones usually mark the graves of those who had standing,
and money, in the community.
Pulpit
Gravestone
 |
| Pulpit Stone |
 |
| Pulpit Tree Stone |
This
stone has a slanted surface and resembles a lectern. They may also look like an
open book. Many people assume that the book is a bible but not necessarily; it
can also represent “The Book of Life.”
 |
| Pyramid |
Pyramid
There
are several variations of this marker but all take their influences from the
Egyptian Revival Movement of the 19th Century. The style is still
considered rare in cemeteries.
 | |
| Detailed Sarcophagus |
Sarcophagus
This
stone receptacle is placed on a pedestal and has inscriptions and designs
engraved upon it. This marker was very popular from the latter part of the 19th
Century up until the 1950s in the U.S.
Tree Stone
 |
| WOW Emblem |
 |
| Tree Stone |
These carved markers resemble tree trunks or stumps with vining ivy, severed branches, and other icons that tell a story about the person buried there. The tree stone was adopted by Modern Woodmen of America and Woodmen of the World, but a stone does not signify that someone belonged to either organization unless their emblem is on it.
Now,
head out to a cemetery this weekend and see what you discover.
~ Joy
