A Twisted History – An Unusual Green Mount Cemetery Tour

Take a tour of  Green Mount Cemetery, but with a twist. As one of the earliest garden cemeteries in the United States, we’ll stroll its winding paths to learn of its unique “picturesque” design and admire the view from its scenic overlooks; however, we’ll also learn the dark history of one of its most famous occupants, John Wilkes Booth. Booth’s history is tangled in Baltimore’s past, growing up on nearby Exeter Street, and is infamous for his plots to kidnap and assassinate Abraham Lincoln. We’ll get to know Booth as the womanizer, white supremacist, and the presidential assassin. We’ll also revisit major events of the Civil War, including the Pratt Street Riots and the surrender at Appomattox, and how they influenced the conspirators’ actions leading up to the day Booth murdered Lincoln.

Nearly 65,000 people are buried here, including the poet Sydney Lanier, philanthropists Johns Hopkins and Enoch Pratt, and numerous military, political, and business leaders. One of the inventors of the Ouija Board, Elijah Bond, lies here overlooking the original factory. Many of the monuments here feature works by major sculptors such as William H. Rinehart, Hans Schuler, and Hugh Sisson.

• Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is complete.
• Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
• Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
• The paths are uneven, and we will be walking across grass that may be wet. Wear appropriate walking shoes, no heels.
• No pets, please.

All events are held rain or shine. If any event is cancelled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.