In 1836 Laurel Hill was established as the second major "rural cemetary" in the country. Such cemeteries offered burials in bucolic, garden settings away from industrialized city hubs.

Located in East Falls along the banks of the Schuylkill River, Laurel Hill was initially developed on 32 acres of businessman Joseph Simsknown's "Laurel Hill" estate.

Setting the stage for future park systems, the beautiful landscaping and ornate statuary of rural cemeteries became public distinations, and by 1860 Laurel Hill had an estimated 140,000 annual visitors.

In addition to its beauty, the cemetary contains the graves of many famed politicians, business pioneers, war veterans, sports icons, and other historical figures.