Any trip to Rochester would be incomplete without visiting Mount Hope Cemetery, site of Frederick Douglass’ family plot. And again, thanks to Dr Tim Madigan, my intrepid guide.
I visited before I read any descriptive brochures and was immediately impressed with the setting. It is beautiful. Carpeted with a perfect covering of snow, the undulating ground, trees and winding roads suggested peace, mystery and beauty. I could easily agree with the brochure’s assessment of this American Victorian Cemetery: “one of the most beautiful and enchanting cemeteries in America.”
The city of Rochester purchased an initial 54 acres in 1836, and it now stands at 196 acres with more that 370,000 people buried here.
Amongst these many people with their many stories are two of significance to my work: Frederick Douglass and his friend and associate, Susan B. Anthony.
And abutting the roadway, is the Douglass plot.
