It is a cemetery that could keep you busy for days… weeks even. And it's the largest and possibly the most beautiful cemetery I've ever seen. Opening in 1849, Bellefontaine (pronounced “bell fountain” by most St. Louisans) consists of 314 acres of park-like beauty with mausoleums as far as the eye can see. Too many to count. Even with a driving tour map it's easy to get lost. But trust me, it's worth it. Among other movers and shakers from the region, you'll find the resting places of Adolphus Busch (beer giant), William Clark, Sara Teasdale, and the infamous Lemp family. You can find more beautiful photos on Bellefontaine's Facebook page. There are also several resources on their beautiful website. When Joe and I visited we were greeted by really friendly staff, and they went out of their way to make our visit a nice one.
Enjoy these photos from our visit…
“The Girl In the Glass Box” Herman Luyties 1871-1921
The family mausoleum of the infamous Lemps.
The family mausoleum of the infamous Lemps.
Back window. Family mausoleum of the infamous Lemps.
William Clark 1770 – 1838
Busch Mausoleum
Adolphus Busch 1839 – 1913
Lilly Anheuser Busch 1844 – 1928
Busch Mausoleum
Adolphus Busch 1839 – 1913
Lilly Anheuser Busch 1844 – 1928
If you're hungry for more information on those buried at Bellefontaine, check out Movers and Shakers, Scalawags and suffragettes: Tales from Bellefontaine Cemetery by Carol Ferring Shepley. I picked this book up at the cemetery office. It's proudly shelved in my personal library.