Treasured Spots at Ferncliff Cemetery & Arboretum
1 - Leaning Rock (a.k.a. Weeping Rock)
Leaning Rock at Ferncliff Cemetery is more than a geological curiosity, it's steeped in legend. According to local lore, this cliff is home to the spirit of Le-lo-no, a heartbroken soul who still weeps at the site. The rock is often damp with moisture, fueling the tale that her tears never stop. “But still the columbine shakes its red bells over the cliff (the Weeping Rock, so the legend goes), and the ferns clamber over it, and the fourth soul of Le-lo-no still weeps, for the stone is always covered with her tears.”
In the 1800s, workers building the National Road camped at Leaning Rock, and it’s believed that one of the workmen who died during the road’s construction was buried at the rock’s base. You can still spot remnants of their encampment in the nearby caves and crevices.
Leaning Rock, or Weeping Rock at Ferncliff Cemetery. Photo: L's Life
2 - GAR – Indian Hill, Civil War Burial Mound
The GAR Mound at Ferncliff is dedicated to the soldiers of the Grand Army of the Republic, or the Union soldiers during the Civil War. The site is also referred to as Indian Hill.
In 1868, Henry Love of Philadelphia was commissioned to create a statue to be featured in the center of the GAR burial mound. An 8-foot bronze statue entitled “Soldier at Rest” was created and was displayed downtown in front of the Springfield courthouse until April 1924 when it, along with two 10-pound Parrott cannons were moved to Ferncliff.
The soldier proudly faces northward and watches over the “Boys of Springfield”, the 44th OVI (Ohio Volunteer Infantry) who fought valiantly in the war between the states.
Ferncliff's GAR Mound, dedicated to the soldiers of the Grand Army of the Republic. Photo: Terri Norris Photography.
3 - Machpelah Vault
Tucked in the cliffside along Buck Creek, the Machpelah Vault was built in 1864 to temporarily hold remains of those who died in the winter months, but could not be buried until the spring thaw.
The vault was a 16’x30’ room created by using dynamite to blast into the rock above the Lagonda.
Named after the burial site Abraham purchased in the Bible (Genesis 23), the vault was eventually sealed when modern equipment rendered it obsolete. But its carved name and storied past remain sealed in stone.
The Machpelah Vault. Photo: L's Life.
4 - Historical Geocache Journey
If you enjoy an adventure, then searching for the geocache, or outdoor treasure hunting using GPS devices, at Ferncliff is for you!
We recommend you check out the Clark County History Cache created by DJ Talcott. The experience takes you to six different sites across the cemetery before you find the cache!
5 - Widow’s Walk
Cut into the cliffside, the staircase once served as a solemn path from the Plum Street entrance to the graves above. It's thought that grieving widows regularly used this walkway to visit the burial sites of their husbands and children, hence the name: Widow’s Walk.
Walking it today offers a quiet connection to those stories of love and loss.
The Widow's Walk Staircase. Photo: Terri Norris Photography.
6 - The Waterfall
One of Ferncliff’s most iconic features is our manmade waterfall! It was created as part of a major sewer construction and water drainage project in 1894. The waterfall is a favorite photo spot for visitors, especially after heavy rains or when it freezes into a glistening sculpture in winter.
The falls have become such an integral part of Ferncliff that a mural in the foyer of the main administration building built in 1931, was painted to honor and preserve its beauty.
Ferncliff Cemetery & Arboretum's Waterfall.
7 - John H. Thomas Memorial
Standing tall in Section D is the impressive obelisk dedicated to the Hon. John H. Thomas, an influential Springfield philanthropist, businessman and statesman.
Installed on October 11, 1902, the memorial stands 32 feet tall, and is made from 88 tons of Barre Vermont granite. The sheer effort it took to construct and transport it in 1902 makes this monument a testament to both legacy and craftsmanship. At the time it was erected, The John H. Thomas Memorial was the second-largest memorial of its kind in the U.S., exceeded only in size by the John D. Rockefeller monument in Lakeview Cemetery, Cleveland, OH.
A visit to Ferncliff always offers a rich and meaningful experience. Be sure to bring your camera, your curiosity, and maybe even a picnic: there’s something special around every corner!
The John H. Thomas Memorial at Ferncliff Cemetery.
