Exploring Bellefontaine Cemetery, St Louis, Missouri

[@longmelinda]

My mother and I had nice quiet drive thru the cemetery many years ago. Beautiful. I had no idea of its beauty being so close to where my family and I have lived for years. What a treasure.

[@ezragonzalez8936]

Matt its been two years since I first saw this and till this day the line where you say "it makes one wonder when was the last time someone stood over their graves that knew them in life who last weep for them" brings a tear to my eye for that is the fate of all of us in time only things like these obscure records of a long forgotten KZbin will be the only proof we ever existed.. Your narrative is just incredibly beautiful your voice soothing and calming . Greetings from a fellow Californian now in Salt Lake City !!

[@Silenced23]

This is why I don't wanna be buried

[@ezragonzalez8936]

@@Silenced23 Don't want to be a forgotten grave?

[@colleenlally-ross7105]

Matt really has such a respectful attitude as he describes ( with such attention to accurate detail) these wonderful grave stones🙏

[@ezragonzalez8936]

@@ahsatan8997 Glad to hear Satan ihas emotion! Cheers!

[@colleenlally-ross7105]

@@ahsatan8997 those are the bittersweet ones no doubt!

[@mrwrister]

There is something special about this video. I've watched it about six or seven times over the past couple of weeks and it almost puts me in a trance while viewing. This man knows what he's doing.

[@barbaragremaud3499]

My mother-in-law was buried here in July of 2015 - one of the first "green" burials offered at this cemetery. It was a beautiful ceremony. She was not embalmed. My husband and his brother bathed and wrapped her in the shroud themselves, and drove her to the cemetery. The cemetery, which is also an arboretum, provided flowers and bows from redbud trees for us to place on top of her shroud. Friends and family then shoveled the dirt over her ourselves, though this was of our choosing.

[@MarcellaDeckard]

😅😅😅

[@MarcellaDeckard]

😅😅

[@peterneijs387]

Bless you all

[@pamglander6683]

my son had the ho or of being a nighttime security guard at this beautiful cemetery. He said he often imagined the whispers of long gone souls..echoing so softly among the hills and valleys of this lovely place.

[@debbabe2254]

What a beautiful thought ❤

[@SL-ko4xo]

Beautifully done. We often forget to take the time to learn from the past. Funerals are for the living and not the dead, therefore we see the countless lives impacted by the simple stone. Less not forget what we have now and enjoy those we love.

[@irenequidachay3609]

Narrators voice and heartfelt emotions made me cry! I truly enjoyed everything that was given! God bless you sir!

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you so much. Your very kind words mean more to me than you know. :)

[@irenequidachay3609]

Grave Explorations Your very welcome!

[@michele2855]

Irene Quidachay very moving this video

[@janholland8269]

I grew up in St.Louis and never knew the history here. Beautifully done

[@SuperTalleyho]

Very well thought out. Almost a poetic trip through history. Great job.

[@melanie7781]

The beauty and craftmanship, love that went to so many of these are amazing.

[@graveexplorations]

The artwork in this cemetery is truly stunning. Thank you for watching!

[@monikameza4107]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful cemetary.

[@jamescowsert2128]

Absolutely wonderful. Both the fiming and narration were impeccable.

[@julieshepherd5989]

Beautifully done, such a peaceful place, so beautiful. Thanks for sharing this. 😊

[@congal42]

I love your closing statement so much. There are so many stories in this cemetery. Someone shared the profound statement this past weekend that we die twice: the first time is our last breath and the second death is the last time our name is mentioned/remembered.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to write that very touching comment.

[@jimrobert9575]

@@graveexplorations ,,,,That same sentiment is apropos with regard to the service & sacrifices of any Veteran of a conflict this nation has been involved in throughout the years.....Never forget those warriors who persevered and by doing so, preserved our country.....

[@stevehub5740]

Beautiful cemetery and the narrative was perfect well said and even more beautiful, powerful and comforting .

[@brianwilliams1796]

Beautiful old cemetery. Makes me wonder how long does it take to become a lost and forgotten person after you die. Time marches on and does not stop to let one of us off the earth when we die. As a nurse, I learned nothing changes when someone dies. Time continues and people continue what they are doing. Always seemed like everyone should stop for a few seconds and take a moment of silence. You have a great channel.

[@chriswhite3332]

"It is appointed unto a man once to die, but after this the judgment" Heb. 9:27. Be prepared for death and do not let human pride exclude you from The Kingdom of God. We shall see some of these dear ones again.

[@nancytet7161]

@@chriswhite3332 very well said thank you

[@chriswhite3332]

Yes ma'am and thank you as well. So many facinating live's and stories to tell. However, without Jesus all is eternal vanity......

[@ruthfoster2491]

My daughter and I spent an afternoon at my mother's gravesite and as we drove around we saw many of the tombstones featured in your wonderful film. My mother's family is all buried there as also I will be buried with my mom. It's a comforting thought. Thanks for an excellent and respectful tape.

[@tomdegan6924]

That was a work of art. A masterpiece.

[@wendypalmer4404]

What a beautiful place some very beautiful head stones

[@marioandrikopoulos2158]

So beautiful thank you for posting this Cemetery and the Stories very very beautiful 👍🙏🌹

[@jaybeeshultz]

The landscaping is spectacular...so many lush green trees....it's beautiful. Thank you!

[@tophyluck]

This made me cry. Your narrative is so beautiful. Very beautiful.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for watching and your very kind words. It was such a privilege to be able to visit this very special place.

[@patriciajohnson256]

a very beautiful cemetery!

[@mitsnevets]

i cried too

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

Why did you guys cry? Are you all upset?

[@whiskeyandkittens6999]

I work at this cemetery, I absolutely adore it. It is so peaceful.

[@graveexplorations]

I totally agree! Thanks so much!

[@55seddel]

As a person who has only recently become a cemetery enthusiast and tourist, I was supremely impressed and awestruck by your park and your neighbor Cavalry next door. Both were superbly kept with monuments at a scale I have never seen before. As of now they both are easily my favorite graveyards

[@sophroniamason2730]

Hands Down, by Far, the very best documentary I have ever had the pleasure of viewing!! If your interest and fascination is with, not only the history of a grand old city and it's people, but the beauty, elegance and mysteries that a headstone has to offer in a gorgeous, landscaped "city of the dead" then BOY, are you in for a treat!! I believe this narrator has, and feels, the same awe I do upon entering a cemetery. I could stay on this trip with him for hours. I wish you could go to cemeteries all over the US, and take us on another great adventure. Mt.Olivet Cemetery in Nashville, TN is exactly in this flavor. Well known, or not so much, fascinating stories of the people in Tennessee. Whether living their whole lives there, or dying there, its a history to tell of the development of Nashville. Saint Louis has a beloved memory in America. It's a shame so much in the last few decades has been troubling for this city. I was wonderful to remember the time this city was exceptional. It had people citizens with great things to do and to be discovered. Keep this up, I want more exploring from you!

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for your very kind words. Bellefontaine was quite a pleasant surprise. Prior to going here I spent a week touring cemeteries in Illinois, and I more or less came here on a whim. As I say in the video, it was late in the day, and there was so much left to see. Not a day has gone by since I left that it hasn't been calling me back. Some time soon I hope to be able to continue a series on his beautiful location. Please forgive the lateness of my reply.

[@rosemariemckinley7326]

Very good walk through history. Thank you for sharing. Please take care and be safe.

[@AuntieNay]

I just stumbled upon your video. As a lifelong resident of several communities just outside of St. Louis, both in Illinois and Missouri, I have heard of but have never personally visited Bellefontaine Cemetery, of which I like your pronunciation and feel it may be more historically accurate. It is indeed beautiful. As one interested in researching our family history, I find cemeteries comforting. I can't help but think with each memorial, "what was their life like?" "Were they happy?" "What events shaped their lives?" Thank you for the respectful way you narrated this and for sharing some of the life stories of those gone before. You have a new subscriber and I look forward to exploring your channel.

[@amandajaynehowe5350]

i found this very comforting and calming

[@carlavietta839]

Next time you're at Bellefontaine Cemetery, you might want to check out the Lemp family tomb.The Lemps were beer barons and had an underground speakeasy during the prohibition under Lemp Mansion @3322 DeMenil Place, in St Louis. There are tunnels going from the 'basement' underground {along with an underground pool and theater, amongst other things...) to the LEMP brewery a block or so over. There were several deaths/suicides in the Lemp family in the mansion, along with 'Zeke' a deformed little boy who was kept away in the attic. Now the family is interred in the Lemp family tomb, which is the largest tomb in Bellefontaine Cemetery. Besides, they have Halloween bashes (Thanks to the Pointer family who purchased the mansion.) on the Saturday before Halloween. I've flown from Dallas to St Louis for the Halloween Bashes for several years....even through the year just to be in the atmosphere over a weekend, the mansion is incredible! Time Life, amongst others, has declared the Lemp Mansion one of the top ten haunted mansions in America. Im a sensitive.... there are definitely "something" walking around the mansion. But.... it's comforting, which is odd with all the deaths. It's also now a BNB, and has a family-style chicken dinner on Sundays. They also have Murder Mystery Dinners & tours amongst other things given by Betsy Ballenger, a psychic & paranormal investigator, (as I am) along with events all through the year. You can read more online, lempmansion.com, email: (owner) [e-mail], phone: [phone]... But it would've been neat if you got to do a story on the Lemp family's tomb. (I've personally gotten to know the family (Pointers) over the years....they are wonderful people!!!) Plus, the mansion is easy to find.and the crypt is massive...

[@howdyradio934]

Thank you for the upload. Enjoying your series. Watching from Australia.

[@nadiac6042]

GREAT VIDEO VERY INFORMATIVE , THANK YOU TO ALL. AND GOD BLESS.🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@chrisledbetter9278]

I subbed. Anyone who would take the time and effort to make such a well put together documentary deserves a sub.

[@sydneyadams4758]

What a lovely memorial to those gone before us.... someone is remembering them again in a quiet and respectful way. So many go to those haven's of rest who seek to destroy and wreck the precious memories....you go quietly to honor and respect. How I would love to walk that peaceful place and just read the stones and think of all the now untold stories. Thank you so much!

[@graveexplorations]

Grumpy Granny Thank you so much, your words mean more to me than you know. ☺️

[@debbieprice2040]

Sweet soothing music.......sweet poetic words in a place comparable to heaven on earth.

[@annmoles3108]

Love the stories you told...thank you....beautiful

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you very much for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@winkprince1875]

The background music was the perfect accompaniment.

[@stevenslaughter5513]

It’s a beautiful cemetery I plowed snow there I saw a few of the monuments mentioned in this video nice and well kept

[@loradurling2358]

Beautiful cemetery. Thanks for tour

[@jaime65portillo1]

The best Historical context in my opinion. Thanks for posting.

[@graveexplorations]

You're very welcome. Thank you for watching.

[@brendapayne6603]

A great video and a beautiful cemetary. You can just sense the passage of time by looking at how the elements have affected the monuments year after year. Also, the background music was lovely.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for watching. Exploring here was an unforgettable experience.

[@mitsnevets]

amazing , thank you for this wonderful trip through time , this cemetery is a look back at a time in the country when loved ones memories were meant to be remembered kindly and with reverence

[@puddysue]

Thank you so much for such a beautiful and respectful tour through this wonderful cemetery.

[@BenjaminM2804]

A beautifully composed and narrated video of "ordinary people" who were extraordinary in their own right. The legacy we leave behind are the deeds performed today, and how well we accomplished this is based on the positive effects we had on others. Share, Care, Love.

[@PatGillin]

Born and raised in St. Louis. Never knew about this. Many thanks

[@dianemorgan5482]

Bellefontaine is a very amazing place. You could spend the whole day walking around the grounds and still miss things. It is both majestic and sobering, rich in history and emotionally drawing.

[@graveexplorations]

So very true, it was an amazing experience, one I won't forget.

[@claudiadesoto2378]

Love the history, that’s a beautiful cemetery. Awesome job you did with showing . I would love to visit this cemetery.

[@debbieprice2040]

Beautiful...breathtaking... Excellent...What a journey!!

[@roselauk6742]

Omg I love your video especially the lady in the glass thank God they keep the place up

[@graveexplorations]

Rose Lauk Thank you, I very glad you enjoyed the video 😊

[@molipaul]

Beautiful narration, filming, and haunting background piano music! Thankful to have seen this today.

[@lisadoyle2284]

I love history. I love your voice. I love how you honor those from our past. Subscribed!

[@mcc11505]

Great job. I live about 20 miles from Bellefontaine. Recently I went there for my first visit. I declined a paid tour. I drove around with friends, and got lost. Thank you for sharing this, and allowing comments too.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for watching and commenting! While I was walking around in here I realized I couldn't find my car. It took me about a half hour to locate it, but it seemed like forever, the place is huge!

[@lzad3764]

What a lovely, well tended cemetery. As always, interesting video. I love looking at the statuary, wonderful old tombstones, and your music is perfect.

[@jimmyhappysmith204]

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing video. Such a peaceful and beautiful location.

[@joeyvalenzuela2535]

I love that song and how perfectly peaceful it looked really excellent thank you for the feeling i have now you made me heart burn with a good sense of pride and peace.thanks again from me to you .your new best friend joe🌹🌹🌹🌹❤❤❤❤

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you, Joe for your very kind words and please forgive the lateness of my reply.

[@joeyvalenzuela2535]

No problem everything you did in the video was so happy 😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤❤👍👍👍👍👍👍✨✨✨✨✨😃🎂to you 😊🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@davidarnce7958]

Beautiful Place.

[@mattbeiter4654]

I live in ST Louis I do enjoy this cemetery it is so peaceful and the history behind it is something that puts you back in time with these people.

[@Harvest1966]

Wow... Matt I truly believe that this is your very best yet. Outstanding...simply outstanding. Well done. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you Teresa, I wasn't sure how this video would come out... I'm so glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@joefranks4235]

Hard to believe that at one time St. Louis was bigger than Chicago. So much history here in the states. You don't have to go overseas to get history.

[@b.m.t.h.3961]

No you don't, however in Europe the history goes back further. Both are fascinating.

[@francisbarca6608]

Very tastefully done and fascinating. Thank you.

[@graveexplorations]

Francis Barca Thank you for your very nice comment, I’m glad you enjoyed the video. 🙂

[@ShelleeGraham]

That certainly was a beautifully creative video you have made. Thank you for your research, time and talent. Very enjoyable. Looking forward to more.

[@SnapesHoney2800]

Such a beautiful place. I do hope you get back there to visit when you can schedule more time and give this place the series it is begging you for. You should also consider a spring trip to Louisville Kentucky to film Cave Hill Cemetery. Spring is when the trees start to flower. It is breathtaking covered in cherry and tulip tree blossoms! It is another place you could easily get lost in. Rolling hills, streams, ponds, amazing sculptured headstones and crypts. The Main Office in the center is even a thing of beauty. Look the place up. It will be worth it. I moved down to Florida and miss Cave Hill terribly. It was my favorite cemetery to wander in.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you. Cave Hill has been high up on my list for quite some time. I'm trying to figure out a way to include it in a grant tour visit of the area. Thanks again and please forgive the lateness of my reply.

[@howierader8917]

My Grandfather and parents are buried here...thanks for sharing!

[@gmcjimmy3580]

I absolutely love your videos, thank you for talking the time to create them.

[@graveexplorations]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@texasmama3684]

That voice is so soothing, you have such a relaxing manner. I could listen to the phone book if this narrator was reading it.

[@graveexplorations]

Thanks so much for your very kind words :)

[@rogercarroll2551]

Excellent presentation of a beautiful place.

[@valdivia1234567]

I knew every section of Bellefontaine! I worked there for 3 summers in high school back in the 80s. Trimmed around every single stone there.

[@mariemoore6406]

Love this tour...Lots of history in these old cemetaries...Kind of sadness yet peace about this place..Would love to walk these grounds..

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for watching and commenting :)

[@kimberlynance2102]

This is my favorite cemetery I've ever been to. It is the final resting places to a lot more famous people than is mentioned. Absolutely most exquisite cemetery art, lakes and grounds.

[@sandinoyes3882]

Beautiful. Excellent . How many times have I been thru St Lois and never visted this treasure this treasure. I will the next time because of this wonderful video. Thank you.

[@victoriataylor5457]

Thank you Matt, Bellefontaine is such a beautiful cemetery, it's so peaceful and the grave monuments are so beautiful & unusual. You always seem to bring the people to life again, by telling their stories, and about the lives they once lived. You always do it in such a respectful way. Sadie Waters story was most intresting,& George Wolf the old steam boat captain. The composer for Pres. Lincoln's funeral, & Gen. Mason who's report caused the Gold Rush Amazing history of so many people. I love to hear about all these people who lay at rest here, at Bellefontaine. I hope you can go back and explore it again. It becons & awaits another visit from you.

[@monkeyboy9896]

This was a beautiful experience. Thanks ...

[@graveexplorations]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@cindycrawford5124]

don't even know how i got to this video, but you did such a good job. this has got to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries i've ever seen. thank you for sharing.

[@curvesholladay1207]

Well done. Nice exploration. Great details.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you, so glad you enjoyed.

[@midnightflower8884]

Thanks for sharing this

[@psw4763]

Enjoyed your video very much with stories of past times for these people.

[@kenbritton6782]

The whole presentation left me speechless and astounded. Excellent closing shot 22:56.

[@patrickbush9526]

What an amazing place I encourage anyone and everyone to go have a visit and a picnic

[@victoriataylor5457]

Very wonderful walk through a beautiful cemetery, how peaceful, all cemeteries are. Thank you , a beautiful narration . The history of those buried there is so interesting. Ones life is like that of a breath, quite short. Its said if ones name is spoken, that person lives again, if only for a brief moment , in our memories. It does make you wonder, who stood here and wept with grief of the loss of their loved one. Sad, but we all will walk this way someday, we know not when .

[@uhlijohn]

How charming! Bellafontaine even surpasses Graceland & Rosehill cemeteries in Chicago, IL! Unbelievable!

[@almeggs3247]

Another well done research and narrative. Thanks for giving some of these lost but gratefully by you now never forgotten!

[@exurbanite7]

This is one of the most beautiful cemeteries I've ever seen. So glad you captured it and so beautifully as well. I'm getting more and more used to your voice and noticed how measured and calm it is, very appropriate to the subject and its solemnity. Your dialogue really is perfect in its length and content. --- I have two cemeteries to suggest to you if you are out and about: Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta - many notable 19th and 20th and now 21st-century dignitaries, war dead and paupers --- and in Lexington, Kentucky - the Lexington Cemetery in the heart of town. It is more like a beautifully landscaped park much as this St. Louis Cemetery is. Anyway - thanks again for sharing these films.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Great video as always! We always enjoy your work!

[@graveexplorations]

Much appreciated! Thanks so much!

[@jennifermurphy6585]

thank you for sharing my grandmother always took me and my sister to her cemetery where her family was when we were young she had her spot picked out too.she told us not to be afraid of cemeteries. there is a calmness about going.I know someday I too will be laid to rest with my sweetheart life is precious enjoy each day like it's your last...

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for watching and leaving such a nice comment. :)

[@USERNAME11152]

SEEN ON A GRAVESTONE My dear friend as you pass by, as you are now so once was I, As I am now so once you"ll be, so be prepared to follow me.

[@melungeon55]

This is an amazing place and your video presentation was fantastic as always. Cemeteries have always been a part of my life from a little child onward. Visiting the graves of ancestors with my parents to being at the gravesides of my parents and two older brothers. Once you have crossed that line of losing a family member or friend, the places of the dead become the memory gardens of the living.

[@dennisburkheimer860]

One of your best videos yet. I’ve watched a lot.

[@trishamorriston3737]

Thank you for the beautiful video.

[@ruthfoster2491]

I remarked to my daughter that I wonder how many living still go and visit the deceased. While there I spoke to my mom and again thanked her for the many sacrifices she made for me. My daughter shared in our visit, and we both came away refreshed and thankful all those buried there played a part in our lives. We are the product of past generations. Never forget.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for sharing. This is truly a special place. I have visited many historic cemeteries, but none quite compare to the feelings I had at Bellefontaine.

[@pearlpurlperrell]

Very impressive presentation, my friend , as usual. Your soothing voice.

[@pearlpurlperrell]

...and those trees!

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for watching and the very kind words.

[@graveexplorations]

Everything about this place is just amazing.

[@andig1747]

I love this video. I am a volunteer at Bellefontaine and I think all of us who volunteer there feel the same way. It is a very special place full of special people.

[@josephhorton7070]

Wow! Fantastic video sir, I'm so glad I stumbled upon this. You have such a calm sincere voice.

[@GOWHID5173]

A cemetery is attractive to me because I realize how short life really is and that we have no control over it. I always feel an urgency to make the most of my own life after seeing people who have already lived and died for many generations already, and experience this sense of ,"there before the grace of God go I. "🤓

[@graveexplorations]

Make every moment count. Thank you for watching and commenting. :)

[@davidbrown8303]

That is true. You can be happy and feel on top of the world and two minutes later you could be dead.

[@laurab1089]

Beautifully put together and very interesting!

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you, so glad you liked it :)

[@stitchlilo01]

Beautiful narrations, poignant, at times finding myself side by side with you recording the timeless images. Beautifully done!

[@annesalter5125]

I grew up in St. Louis and always went past this cemetery and could see some of the beautiful gravestones from the street. Very good video, love your voice.

[@mallen6035]

I love old cemeteries. I live in St. Louis and have always wanted to visit this one. I think Tennessee Williams is buried there. I live next to two old Jewish cemeteries and they are very beautiful. I also love country cemeteries. My grandparents are buried in a secluded rural cemetery with the rest of my family. It is very old and peaceful. When I was a child, my mom used to take us to a forgotten cemetery out in the woods which had been overgrown, the gravestones toppled over and completely abandoned my time. Some of the tombs were from the 1800s. I always thought it was so sad that all those graves were forgotten. It felt like such a sad and lonely place.

[@Theemysteryman]

WoW...Home run! One of thee best cemetery tours ever..and i watch Alot of cemetery tour people on the Tube..Bravo.

[@donmichaelromano1669]

A great presentation and a fabulous closing. Love your channel.

[@JustBeREAL1st]

I am from St. Louis--we appreciate you

[@matildekimmerle6607]

Beautiful

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you very much for all your kind comments. :)

[@hatzlmike1]

Incredible