Key Facts About Susan B. Anthony’s Grave
Susan B. Anthony is buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester, New York, where her grave has become a lasting symbol of the long fight for women’s right to vote. Her burial site reflects both her personal history and the broader women’s suffrage movement, attracting visitors who seek to honor her activism. The following sections detail the location, inscriptions, condition, and cultural significance of her grave, along with verified data and practical visiting guidance.
Location and Cemetery Information
Mount Hope Cemetery Details
Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester is a historic garden cemetery established in the 1830s and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also the final resting place of Frederick Douglass, creating a powerful pairing of two major figures in civil rights. Anthony’s grave is situated within this landscape, which is maintained as both a working cemetery and an arboretum. The grounds are publicly accessible and feature winding paths, mature trees, and nineteenth-century funerary art, contributing to a solemn yet reflective atmosphere.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Susan Brownell Anthony | Birth and death records |
| Burial Site | Mount Hope Cemetery, Rochester, NY | Cemetery records |
| Grave Location | Section P, Lot 17, Gravesite 5 | Mount Hope Cemetery burial index |
| Notable Neighbor | Frederick Douglass (Section P) | Cemetery map and historical documentation |
Inscription and Grave Marker
What the Stone Says
Anthony’s grave marker is a standard government-issue military granite stone, typical for the era of her death in 1906, bearing a simple inscription that reflects her identity and era. The primary text on the marker reads: ‘Susan B. Anthony.’ Additional lines include her dates: ‘Born 1820, Died 1906.’ There is no elaborate epitaph or overt suffrage slogan on the stone itself, though the surrounding monuments and visitor additions often reference her activism. The marker is maintained by the cemetery with care to preserve legibility while respecting the historic character of the site.
Cultural and Historical Significance
While Anthony’s legal work focused on voting rights, her grave has evolved into a site of pilgrimage for those interested in gender equality and civil rights. The proximity of Frederick Douglass’s gravesite underscores the intersectional alliances within the abolition and suffrage movements. Over time, the grave has taken on symbolic meaning beyond its function as a burial plot, representing persistence in the face of legal exclusion. Visitors often leave small tokens, handwritten notes, or replicas of “I voted” stickers, particularly around election dates, transforming the site into an active place of commemoration.
Condition, Preservation, and Ownership
Maintenance and Surrounding Area
The stone is subject to weathering common to granite markers in a cold climate, with some surface lettering faint due to age and biological growth. The cemetery performs routine cleaning and checks to stabilize the base and prevent shifting. Because Anthony died before the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified, her burial predates the constitutional recognition of women’s suffrage, adding historical depth to the site. Local preservation groups occasionally partner with Mount Hope on cleaning initiatives, ensuring that the inscription remains readable for future visitors while maintaining a minimally invasive approach.
Visiting Information and Etiquette
Practical Guidance for Guests
Mount Hope Cemetery is open to the public year-round during daylight hours. Visitors may access the section containing Anthony’s grave along established paths; sturdy footwear is recommended, especially in wet or icy conditions. Photography is generally permitted, though respectful distance from other mourners and ongoing maintenance work is encouraged. There are no admission fees for the cemetery, though donations support preservation efforts. Before visiting, guests can check the cemetery website for any updated hours, event notices, or maintenance closures.
- Check daylight hours for the season, as they vary throughout the year.
- Stay on marked paths to protect cemetery grounds and plantings.
- Observe any posted signage regarding photography or events.
- Consider a visit in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and quieter conditions.
- Respect the site by avoiding climbing on monuments or removing any items.