Founded in 1831 by Dr. Jacob Bigelow along with the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Mount Auburn Cemetery has served as a natural setting for the commemoration of the dead as well as a source of inspiration for the living. Originally, Mount Auburn Cemetery covered only seventy-two acres just four miles outside of the center of Boston. Today, it covers one hundred and seventy five acres. Easing the overcrowded city cemeteries, it provided ample space for burials during a time when ideas changed about how to deal with death and the dying.

Embellishing the terrain, Mount Auburn incorporated walking paths to observe the beautiful plants and flowers, as well as the many sculptures, fountains, and statues. It is the first designed landscape opened to the public in America to serve the dual purpose of providing a leisurely recreation space in addition to being the solemn site of remembrance and contemplation.

Mount Auburn began the rural cemetery movement, and the idea of the garden cemetery spread throughout the nation in the years that followed. The popularity of these open spaces led to the establishment of public parks, but more importantly, they gave people a place to escape the crowded, noisy, urban environments and experience nature and gain peace of mind in times of trouble and enjoyment.