Rural Cemetery Movement

According to Wikipedia, A rural cemetery or garden cemetery became popular in the United States in the mid-19th century due to the overcrowding and health concerns of urban cemeteries. They were typically built 1–5 mi (1.6–8.0 km) outside the city, far enough to be separated from the city but close enough for visitors. They often contain elaborate and landscaped park-like settings.

The rural cemetery movement mirrored changing attitudes toward death in the nineteenth century. From their inception, they were intended as civic institutions designed for public use. Before the widespread development of parks, the rural cemetery provided a place for the general public to enjoy outdoor recreation amidst art and sculpture previously available only for the wealthy.

The rural style of the cemetery was developed due to the overcrowding of churchyard graveyards and the health concerns of burying the dead in the center of cities.  In addition, the attitudes towards death changed at this time.  People started to view death as hopeful and wanted to erect statues/memorials to celebrate life.  These cemeteries also served as a non-sectarian burial place for all faiths. 

Rural cemeteries also became the first public parks when no public parks or open spaces for recreation existed. This model quickly spread in the United States as well as in Europe. The Rural Cemetery movement ended in the late 1890s.  

The Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, France, was established in 1804.  It was considered too far from the city center when it was established. However, as Paris grew, the cemetery's location became a part of the city. Located between the 11th Arrondissement and the 20th arrondissement,  Père Lachaise Cemetery is now a subway ride away from central Paris. 

The general conscience among cemetery historians is that the first rural cemetery in the United States was Mount Auburn, located outside of Boston.  Established in 1831, as the city of Boston grew, there became a need for a large-scale cemetery. 

Before Mount Auburn was established, graveyards were often crowded and presented health risks to the public.  In addition, due to lack of space, graves were moved or reused. Many times, the remains were lost or destroyed. 

The founders, Mount Auburn, set aside 170 acres of land in Cambridge and Watertown, Massachusetts, located 6 miles from the center of Boston.  Led by Dr. Jacob Bigelow and Henry Dearborn, the purchase of a farm along the Charles River was completed.