A Historic Attraction in the Heart of Houston

Glenwood Cemetery was established in 1871 and opened to the public the next year. Its landscape is unlike any other in Houston, with ravines leading to Buffalo Bayou and winding roads and walkways. Nineteenth-century residents of Space City were said to consider the cemetery more of a public park than a cemetery.

The years have seen many improvements to the cemetery’s surrounding property, including the entrance bridge, gates, and gate posts. The fountain and pond near the entrance have also been restored, as has the office cottage. All work performed now is done while making sure to preserve the character and landscape of the historic cemetery. Even now, historical preservation is extremely important. The Glenwood Cemetery Historic Preservation Foundation raises funds to preserve the cemetery outside the scope of regular operations.

Famous people interred at Glenwood Cemetery include Dr. Denton A. Cooley, who performed the first total artificial heart implantation in 1969, philanthropist George Hermann, after whom several city landmarks are named, and billionaire Howard Hughes, Jr.