Bartow, Florida: Grave of America's Oldest Man
When Charlie Smith died in 1979 he was a celebrity, claiming to be 137 years old. He had lived so long that he had no one to pay for his tombstone. Three years later the town finally chipped in and bought one for Charlie, engraved with the epitaph, "America's Oldest Man."
Wildwood Cemetery
- Address:
- 800 S. Woodlawn Ave., Bartow, FL
- Directions:
- Wildwood Cemetery. Southwest side of town. Enter cemetery on the west side of S. Woodlawn Ave. just south of its intersection with W. Vine St. Once you enter the cemetery, drive to the third pathway. Charlie's grave is on the right side, back by the white wall.
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Visitor Tips and News About Grave of America's Oldest Man
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Found him. Look for the big oak tree, second marker in from the white wall.
[Barbara, 04/28/2018]
By marker 28 on the right side. Grave is almost to the end of the row by the white wall.
[Kristen, 06/04/2017]
The grave of America's Oldest Man is actually between paths 2 and 3.
[Brennan, 06/01/2017]
Recommend reading the back story on this gentleman to truly appreciate the grave site. Very nice neighborhood with quaint, old homes.
[Shannon Hiser, 05/16/2017]Charlie Smith was 137 when he died...at least, that's what he claimed. And his tombstone assures that no one will forget.
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