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Birdcage grave of James Monroe.

Second Grave of James Monroe

Field review by the editors.

Richmond, Virginia

Former President James Monroe, who'd been dead and buried in New York City since 1831, was dug up and shipped to Richmond in 1858, his sarcophagus locked inside a tall, ornate, black iron "birdcage" so that no one could move his body again. "As evidence of the affection of Virginia for her good and honored son," according to a plaque affixed to the tomb.

It was a coup for Hollywood Cemetery, which later added the graves of Presidents John Tyler and Jefferson Davis.

By 2020, the tomb, plaques had been cleaned and the birdcage had been painted white.

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Second Grave of James Monroe

Hollywood Cemetery

Address:
412 S. Cherry St., Richmond, VA
Hours:
Daily 8-6. Gated after hours. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Admission:
Free
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Nearby Offbeat Places

Dog Statue on Child's GraveDog Statue on Child's Grave, Richmond, VA - < 1 mi.
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American Civil War MuseumAmerican Civil War Museum, Richmond, VA - < 1 mi.
In the region:
The Powhatan Stone, Richmond, VA - 2 mi.

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