Which cemetery type, first established in Mt. Auburn, Mass in 1830, also served social purposes during the Victorian era?

The cemetery type that was first established in Mt. Auburn, Massachusetts in 1830 and served social purposes during the Victorian era is the elite garden cemetery. This type of cemetery was designed not only for burials but also as a beautiful, park-like setting where people could walk, reflect, and engage with nature. The concept was rooted in the Romantic movement, which emphasized the beauty of nature and provided a serene environment for the living to honor their deceased loved ones.

During the Victorian era, these garden cemeteries became important social and cultural spaces. They were often planned with winding paths, ornamental trees, and elaborate monuments, which made them popular as places for leisure and contemplation. Visitors would stroll through these landscaped areas, which blended horticulture with memorialization, allowing for a communal experience that was both spiritual and social.

In contrast, urban cemeteries were typically more austere and focused on practicality, family plots pertained specifically to individual family burials without the broader social engagement, and veterans cemeteries primarily served the purpose of honoring military personnel. The elite garden cemetery stands out for its dual function as both a burial ground and a place for social interaction and community engagement during the Victorian era.