For those who choose cremation…
The Old City Cemetery, a Virginia Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, is a treasure of Lynchburg’s diverse history, culture, and natural beauty. Our grounds provide a peaceful, inviting place to reflect on your loved ones and celebrate their life.
The Place
Old City Cemetery is Lynchburg’s oldest place of burial, founded in 1806. We are now a 27-acre public garden, a Level II Accredited Arboretum, and host the largest public collection of antique roses in the region.
The oldest part of the Cemetery, within the original walls, has been closed to burials since 1965, and only a very limited number of burials have been allowed by special permission “outside the walls” since that time. The only continuously active parts of the Cemetery have been the Potter’s Fields—areas reserved by the City of Lynchburg for burial of its indigent citizens.
There are approximately 4-8 burials each year in New Potter’s Field. The Columbarium, which opened in 2006, provides niches for urns and crypts for full-size caskets.
Since 1996 the scattering of cremated remains has been permitted in a specially designated “Scatter Garden.” The Garden is sheltered in a natural dell, planted with peonies and groundcover, and enclosed with an “old” oval-shaped cast-iron fence. The nearby Lotus Pond and Butterfly Garden create an atmosphere of serenity and natural beauty. The place and its purpose are identified with a marble monument bearing the inscription, “Ashes of the Dead Have Been Lovingly Placed Within This Enclosure.”
Policies, Procedures & Pricing
- A scattering Fee of $200 will be charged by and payable to the Southern Memorial Association. This fee covers the scattering and name plaque placed on the memorial tablet near the Scatter Garden. Use of the Comfort House or Station House is also available for an additional fee.
- The deceased will become a part of the permanent records of Old City Cemetery. Loved ones are encouraged to fill out our biographical records form, and provide any photos or additional information they wish to have recorded in our files.
- As new grave markers/stones are not permitted in or near the Scatter Garden, there are a number of options for those wishing to memorialize their loved one. Click HERE to explore options for memorial plants, benches, and donations.
- Please note that personal items on graves and around the Scatter Garden (artificial flowers, decorations) are discouraged and will only be permitted to be placed for a short amount of time. Live floral arrangements are preferred and may be ordered in the Cemetery Center.
Contact the Old City Cemetery for more information, or to schedule an appointment or scattering.
The Southern Memorial Association welcomes your visit to the Old City Cemetery and appreciates all donations towards any aspect of Cemetery operation. Please make checks payable to:
Southern Memorial Association
401 Taylor Street
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-1465
