Linwood Cemetery

Do you know where the name "Linwood" came from?

Find the answer below 👇

The name Linwood is believed to have been inspired by Ernest Linwood: Or, the Inner Life of the Author, a popular 19th-century novel written by Caroline Lee Hentz, an acclaimed author who lived near Columbus during the antebellum era.

But there's another fascinating connection to her story. Before moving to Georgia, Hentz befriended George Moses Horton, an enslaved poet who became the first African American to publish a book in the South. Recognizing his talent, she helped teach him to write, allowing his work to reach an even wider audience.

Today, Linwood Cemetery reflects the many interconnected stories that helped shape Columbus and the South.

Be honest... did you know where the name Linwood came from before reading this? 👀

Explore Linwood. Free to the public, donations accepted. Open MON–FRI from 7am–7pm.

Every monument, pathway, and story at Linwood Cemetery is preserved through the support of people who care about protecting Columbus history. 🤍

Your donation helps fund preservation efforts, maintain the grounds, and ensure future generations can continue to explore and learn from this remarkable place.

Whether large or small, every gift makes a difference.

Thank you for helping us preserve the past and protect Linwood's future.

Donate today at linwoodcemetery.org/donate.

Explore Linwood. Free to the public, donations accepted. Open MON-FRI from 7am-7pm.

Resident Spotlight: Edward Lloyd Thomas (1785-1852)

Before Columbus was a city, Edward Lloyd Thomas was helping draw its future.

In 1827, Thomas was selected to survey the 1,200-acre town site that would become Columbus, laying out the city's original streets and boundaries. His work helped shape the Columbus we know today, including the land that would later become Linwood Cemetery.

Thomas was already a respected surveyor, having previously laid out the town of Oxford and Emory College. His influence can still be seen across Georgia through the communities he helped design.

While surveying Columbus, Thomas's young son, Truman, joined the survey crew. Tragically, Truman became ill and died during the project, becoming the first known burial at what would later become Linwood Cemetery.

Nearly 200 years later, Edward Lloyd Thomas's vision remains woven into the fabric of Columbus, making him one of the city's earliest and most influential figures.

Explore Linwood. Free to the public, donations accepted. Open MON-FRI from 7am-7pm.

Hello, June. 🌿

Longer days, summer walks, and another month to explore the stories and beauty of Linwood Cemetery. Whether you’re visiting for history, reflection, or a quiet afternoon beneath the trees, we look forward to welcoming you this season.

Plan your visit here: www.linwoodcemetery.org/plan-your-visit

Explore Linwood. Free to the public, donations accepted. Open MON–FRI from 7am–7pm.

Which Linwood resident helped choose the site of Columbus and design the city’s original layout nearly 200 years ago?

Find the answer below 👇

Dr. Edwin L. deGraffenried was appointed in 1828 as one of five commissioners tasked with selecting the location of Columbus and laying out the city’s original grid, much of which still shapes the city today.

He also helped establish the Episcopal Church in Columbus and served the region as a physician for decades.

A true founding figure in Columbus history, Dr. deGraffenried rests today at Linwood Cemetery.

Now be honest… did you know the answer before reading the caption? 👀

You can visit his gravesite by searching his name in our cemetery map: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/e3443cdb0fb44231941a9f55182a9975

Explore Linwood. Free to the public, donations accepted. Open MON-FRI from 7am-7pm.

Memorial Day holds special significance at Linwood Cemetery. 🇺🇸

As we remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country, we also reflect on the legacy of Lizzie Rutherford Ellis (1833–1873), whose compassion helped shape a national tradition of remembrance.

While tending to the graves of fallen soldiers here in Columbus following the Civil War, Lizzie helped inspire the idea of setting aside a special day to decorate and honor the graves of those who served, a tradition that would eventually become Memorial Day.

Her headstone at Linwood bears a simple but powerful tribute: “The Soldiers’ Friend.”

Today, we remember the lives sacrificed in service to our nation and the enduring legacy of remembrance rooted here at Linwood.

You can visit her gravesite by searching her name in our cemetery map: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/e3443cdb0fb44231941a9f55182a9975

Explore Linwood. Free to the public, donations accepted. Open MON-FRI from 7am-7pm.

Our Annual Meeting was a wonderful evening celebrating Linwood’s past, present, and future. We reflected on a successful year, including another incredible Ramble, the restoration of the main gate, progress on our master plan, and the exciting future ahead for Historic Linwood Foundation.

Most importantly, the evening honored Jane Brady and her 18 years of dedication to Linwood and the preservation of its history. In recognition of her lasting impact, Jane was presented with the Jane Johnson Brady Gatehouse Garden, a space that will forever celebrate all she has done for this historic gem in Columbus.

Thank you, Jane, and thank you to everyone who joined us for such a special evening. Exciting times await for Linwood!

Explore Linwood. Free to the public, donations accepted. Open MON-FRI from 7am-7pm.

Join us for an evening celebrating all things Linwood. 🤍

Our Annual Meeting is a chance to connect with fellow members, hear about exciting plans ahead, and celebrate Director Jane Brady as she prepares for retirement after 16 years of dedicated service to Linwood and the preservation of Columbus history.

📍 Thursday, May 21 at 5:30 PM
📍 Lummus Chapel

Reception to follow.

Members can RSVP here: www.linwoodcemetery.org/2026-annual-meeting

In honor of Jane’s legacy, consider making a donation to support the future of Linwood: www.linwoodcemetery.org/donate

Explore Historic Linwood Foundation. Free to the public, donations accepted. Open MON–FRI from 7am–7pm.

Looking for something unique to do with the kids this summer? 🔆 Head to Linwood for a self-guided tour and explore the stories that shaped Columbus. From artists and civic leaders to veterans, entrepreneurs, and local legends, there’s history around every corner.

Plan your visit and spend the day discovering Linwood at your own pace: www.linwoodcemetery.org/plan-your-visit

Explore Linwood. Free to the public, donations accepted. Open MON-FRI from 7am-7pm.