Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Listed on the New York and National Registers of Historic Places

Known as the final resting place for the likes of Walter Chrysler, William Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie, as well as Harry and Leona Helmsley (but not her dog), perhaps this cemetery’s most famous burial plot is that of the legendary author, statesman and historian Washington Irving.

(And those of a certain age may recognize the crypt of Barnabas Collins from the Gothic soap opera House of Dark Shadows.)

Also visible on grave markers are the names, although not as famous as Chrysler or Carnegie, that are recognizable throughout Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow—Van Wart, Taxter and Requa, Farrington, Beekman and Warner. In addition, the cemetery contains monuments to Revolutionary War and Civil War soldiers.

And now the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Historic Fund is pleased to announce that the cemetery has been listed on both the New York State and the National Registers of Historic Places. 

Cited by the panel who evaluated the property to assess its historical significance are the outstanding design landscape of the natural setting, the works of well known American architects and sculptors (including Augustus Saint-Gaudens and William Welles Bosworth),  the major structures including the Washington Irving Chapel, and the world-renowned individuals buried here.

The cemetery, incorporated in 1849 is a non-sectarian, not-for-profit burying ground spanning approximately 85 acres, includes a section of the Pocantico River. Originally known as Tarrytown Cemetery, the name was changed to Sleepy Hollow Cemetery to posthumously accommodate Washington Irving’s request for the new moniker.

“This cemetery is a living history museum. We are working hard to create an awareness that we need to preserve and maintain this history and pass it along to following generations," said James Logan, president of the Board of Directors of the cemetery, speaking at the unveiling of a plaque noting the newly acquired distinction. 

Mark Peckham, director of Historic Preservation for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, applauded the cemetery board for its “fine stewardship” of the property. “In order to receive this designation, they had to prove their point extensively," he said. "And in that regard, they did.”

Reverend Jeff Gargano of the Reformed Church of the Tarrytowns reminded guests that the “season of Halloween is a very special one in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow” and added that “this burying ground is a ‘hallowed place’, a sacred ground.”

After the ceremony, refreshments were served and tours of the grounds were offered. And an equestrian wearing a long dark cape, appearing headless was spotted wandering the graveyard.

To find out more about Sleepy Hollow Cemetery visit: http://sleepyhollowcemetery.org/

Day and evening guided tours are available.