Hidden Stories at Rosehill Cemetery - Atlas Obscura Experiences

Hidden Stories at Rosehill Cemetery

1.5 hours
$25 per person
Up to 10 people
See Dates
$25 per person
Chicago, Illinois
What We’ll Do

Experience a 75 to 90 minute walk through Chicago's oldest and largest private cemetery. Stories vary, but often include a woman who was onstage the night Lincoln was shot, the first journalist killed in war, a brewer who was caught up in the biggest sex scandal of 1862, the murder that inspired the formation of the cemetery, a man who owned a tavern when he was twelve, and many more, showing how their lives intersected with each other and with history. Many of the graves feature stunning architecture, but sometimes the best stories are hidden in the most nondescript graves.

Where We’ll Be

The historic Rosehill Cemetery was founded in 1859. Expert Adam Selzer leads a fascinating, and often hilarious tour through the eastern portion, highlighting some of the most incredible stories of the people interred there.

About Your Host
Adam
Adam

Hi. I’m Adam, a member of the Atlas Obscura community.

I'm the author of Mysterious Chicago, The Smart Aleck's Guide to American History, and HH Holmes: The True History of the White City Devil, and an upcoming book on Graceland Cemetery. I appear regularly on the History, Travel and Discovery channels, and have worked as a tour guide in Chicago and New York for fifteen years. My research on people connected to the cemetery has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, and others.

For questions about this experience, please contact me directly through Airbnb.

What Else You Should Know

- Most of the walk is on paved paths, but there is some "off road" walking onto the grass.
- Tour runs rain or shine.
- There is a bathroom available in the cemetery office, but not one within the cemetery grounds, of course.

Group Size

There are 10 spots available on this experience.

Who Can Come

Guests ages 5 and up can attend.

Cancellation Policy

Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase. See cancellation policy.

Dates and Availability

There are no upcoming experiences at the moment. Fill out the form below to be notified when we add new dates.

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