A visit to Graceland Sep22 '04

I am thinking of taking a visit to Graceland Cemetery, here in Chicago. I have been inspired to do so, after reading The Devil In The White City, by Erik Larson.

Many historic legends from the book are buried in Graceland, such as Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, John Root, Marshall Field, and Phillip Armour. The accomplishments of these gentleman, at the end of 19th century Chicago, are enormous – and I would be honored to see where they now rest.

I went to Google to see if there is any information on Graceland cemetery. It turns out there is actually a graveyards.com, which showcases the graveyards of Chicago. Spooky, huh?

Actually, the site is poorly presented, but it has given me enough information, that will help me on my trip.

In reality, my trip is only getting in a car, and driving to Clark and Irving, near Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. This is only a 25 minute journey for me.

I think this "historic escapade" will help enhance the valuable learning I got from the book, and it will also allow me to physically take in the "realistic proportions" of the story, instead of just being a bystander. By visiting Graceland, and seeing where these legends rest, I will be fully absorbing the magnificent history.

In regards to visiting the cemetery, Erik Larson states, in the final sentence of the book:

On a crystalline fall day you can almost hear the tinkle of fine crystal, the rustle of silk and wool, almost smell the expensive cigars.

Categories: Books , Locations , People

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There are a lot of stories about that cemetary that are unique and interesting, there is a book that i read called haunted chicago and there are ma ... Read more.

I live just a few blocks away from there and have passed it while on my rollerblades...I've never been inclined to enter the gates, however. ... Read more.

I'm reading The Devil in the White City now and wish I still lived near Chicago. (Grew up in Elgin). ... Read more.

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