Lincoln Park Zoo, a beloved Chicago attraction, sits on land with a macabre past. Once the city’s official cemetery, the park still harbors thousands of unmarked graves beneath its lush grounds. This eerie history blends the living with the dead, as visitors unknowingly stroll over buried remains. The zoo’s development atop this former burial ground raises questions about urban planning, historical preservation, and the ethical treatment of human remains.

What is the Cemetery History of Lincoln Park?

Lincoln Park’s transformation from a cemetery to a public space is a tale of urban development and public health concerns. The area’s history as a burial ground dates back to the mid-19th century, with significant implications for the zoo’s establishment.

How Did the City Cemetery Become Lincoln Park?

The City Cemetery, established around 1843, occupied the area now known as Lincoln Park. However, several factors led to its closure:

1. Poor sanitary conditions
2. Contamination of drinking water
3. Cholera outbreaks
4. Rising lake levels washing caskets ashore

In 1866, city officials decided to close the cemetery due to these health concerns. The transition from graveyard to park began, with the area renamed Lincoln Park in honor of President Abraham Lincoln.

What Happened to the Buried Bodies?

The conversion of the cemetery to a park involved a massive relocation effort:

• Families were expected to move their deceased loved ones to other cemeteries
• Many bodies remained due to various reasons:
• Lack of funds for relocation
• Destroyed records from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871
• Incomplete removal efforts

Estimates suggest that between 12,000 to 22,500 bodies were left behind in the park. Pamela Bannos, a researcher who studied the park’s history, believes that no more than 22,500 bodies were removed from the Lincoln Park graveyards, leaving over 12,000 unaccounted for.

What Historical Attractions Remain from the Cemetery Era?

Despite efforts to transform the area into a park, some remnants of its cemetery past persist, serving as eerie reminders of the land’s former purpose.

What is the Significance of the Couch Mausoleum?

The Couch Mausoleum stands as the most visible reminder of Lincoln Park’s cemetery history:

• Built in 1858 for businessman Ira Couch
• Only visible structure remaining from the original cemetery
• Left in place due to high relocation costs (estimated at $3,000 in the late 19th century)
• Mystery surrounds its contents, with uncertainty about whether bodies are actually inside

Where Are the Unmarked Graves Located?

Unmarked graves are scattered throughout the park, particularly in areas now used for recreation:

• Around baseball fields
• Near tennis courts
• North end of the baseball field: 145 bodies clustered in a 130 by 200 feet area
• Southern part of the park: Several scattered graves

In 1875, a park engineer discovered a map detailing these burial locations, shedding light on the extent of the remaining interments.

How Has the Cemetery History Affected Lincoln Park Zoo?

The zoo’s development on former cemetery grounds has led to several intriguing discoveries and ongoing challenges.

What Discoveries Have Been Made During Construction?

Construction projects within the park have occasionally unearthed remnants of its cemetery past:

1. 1962: Workers found a skeleton and casket while digging the foundation for the Lincoln Park Zoo’s barn
2. 1998: A 100-year-old metallic coffin with a preserved corpse was discovered during the construction of the Chicago History Museum’s parking lot

These findings serve as stark reminders of the land’s history and the challenges of building on a former burial ground.

How Does the Cemetery History Impact Zoo Operations?

The zoo’s unique location presents several considerations:

Aspect	Impact
Construction	Careful planning required to avoid disturbing graves
Expansion	Limited by potential presence of unmarked burials
Public Perception	Balancing respect for the dead with zoo operations
Educational Opportunities	Incorporating historical information into zoo exhibits

Zoo management must navigate these challenges while maintaining a family-friendly environment and respecting the site’s historical significance.

What Ghost Stories and Tours Are Associated with Lincoln Park Zoo?

The park’s eerie history has given rise to numerous ghost stories and paranormal tours, attracting thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.

What Types of Ghost Tours Are Offered?

Lincoln Park is known for its ghost tours, which often focus on:

• The Couch Mausoleum
• Areas with suspected unmarked graves
• Historical incidents and discoveries

These tours highlight the park’s macabre history and the numerous ghost sightings reported over the years, offering visitors a unique perspective on the zoo and its surroundings.

What Are Some Famous Ghost Sightings in the Park?

Several ghost stories have emerged from Lincoln Park’s cemetery history:

1. Apparitions near the Couch Mausoleum
2. Mysterious figures spotted around the baseball fields
3. Unexplained noises and temperature drops in certain areas of the park
4. Reports of ghostly children playing near the zoo exhibits

While these stories lack scientific verification, they contribute to the park’s mystique and draw curious visitors.

How Has the Cemetery History Been Preserved and Commemorated?

Despite the transformation into a zoo and park, efforts have been made to acknowledge and preserve the area’s cemetery history.

What Historical Markers Exist in the Park?

Several markers and informational displays throughout Lincoln Park provide context for its cemetery past:

• Plaques near the Couch Mausoleum
• Historical information boards at key locations
• Guided tour stops highlighting significant areas

These markers serve to educate visitors about the land’s former use and the thousands of individuals still interred beneath the park grounds.

How Does the Zoo Address Its Unique History?

Lincoln Park Zoo has taken steps to acknowledge its unusual foundation:

1. Incorporating historical information into zoo literature
2. Training staff on the park’s history to answer visitor questions
3. Collaborating with historians and archaeologists for ongoing research
4. Implementing respectful practices during any ground-disturbing activities

By embracing its past, the zoo offers visitors a unique blend of natural history and local lore.

In conclusion, Lincoln Park Zoo’s location on a former cemetery creates a fascinating juxtaposition of life and death. The park’s transformation from burial ground to thriving zoo reflects Chicago’s urban development while raising important questions about historical preservation and respect for the deceased. As visitors enjoy the zoo’s attractions, they walk upon ground rich with hidden history, making Lincoln Park Zoo a truly unique destination that bridges the past and present.

References:
1. Reddit Discussion on Lincoln Park’s Cemetery History
2. CBS News: Chicago Hauntings – The Mysteries of the Couch Mausoleum
3. Hidden Truths by Northwestern University: Cemetery in the Park