Nestled in the heart of Towson’s business district, historic Prospect Hill Cemetery is the highest elevation and largest green space in the town’s central core. Within its green and peaceful six acres rest men and women whose lives shaped Baltimore County history for more than 250 years. Yet the property is also an active cemetery business that still has lots available to purchase for future generations.

Originally this land was part of the Hampton estate of Captain Charles Ridgely. Prospect Hill has been in continuous use as a cemetery since 1892. The community of Towson grew up around it. Among those buried here are two defenders of Baltimore in the War of 1812, veterans who served in every war from the American Revolution through the Invasion of Grenada, an infamous movie star, and founders of local businesses and leaders in Baltimore County government.

Like many other historic properties, Prospect Hill Cemetery has had its ups and downs. By the 1980s, it had fallen into disrepair and was in danger of succumbing to development. In 1984, a group of Towson families led by Dr. Robert Parker, James Campbell and Carroll Klingelhofer formed a non-profit corporation to purchase Prospect Hill, with the goal of restoring the beauty and dignity of this six-acre landmark and preserving it for future generations of Baltimore County families. Today, the cemetery is well maintained by its board and other volunteers. More history.

PROSPECT HILL TODAY

More than 3,000 people are buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery, and some 300 gravesites – for both cremation urns and traditional ground burials – remain available for a reasonable purchase price. Funds generated by the sale of lots are invested for future maintenance needs.

In the past several years, the cemetery has been awarded Community Conservation Grants by Baltimore County, as well as several grants from the Preservation Alliance of Baltimore County and the Towson Rotary Foundation. These funds, along with contributions from other donors, have been used to upgrade the landscaping and restore the green perimeter in order to screen the view of the commercial incursion of modern Towson. The cemetery has also added security lighting, while preserving the 19th century vista from the crest of its hill.

During the past decade, Prospect Hill Cemetery has installed:

  • 425 feet of new hedge along York Road
  • 450 feet of evergreens screening the south perimeter with Towson City Center
  • 30 new evergreen and shade trees
  • Over 100 new large shrubs along the north and east perimeters
  • Beautiful angel statue added to Babyland

Prospect Hill Cemetery is open every day and welcomes respectful visitors. Public tours are offered periodically. A past tour featured family members recounting stories about their ancestors who are buried here.

Each Memorial Day, the Towson Post 22 of the American Legion and local scout troops place American flags on the graves of over 425 veterans buried at Prospect Hill. Several Boy Scouts have conducted their Eagle Scout projects at Prospect Hill, working to preserve the beauty of the property.

Contact Us
We invite you to join in our effort to preserve this place of history, reverence and respect, and we welcome your inquiries concerning cremation and traditional ground burial lots for you and your family.

FOREVER NON-PROFIT

The articles of incorporation of the current cemetery corporation ensure that Prospect Hill in Towson will always remain a non-profit cemetery. In addition, designation of the cemetery as a Baltimore County Historical Site reinforces the intent of the board of directors that Prospect Hill will remain hallowed ground as the final resting place of our community’s past and future generations.

 

At Prospect Hill, you will find the graves of people from all walks of life

  • Two 19th century defenders of Baltimore in the War of 1812
  • Veterans of every war from American Revolutionary War through Grenada
  • Founders of Baltimore County government
  • Sheriffs and fire fighters
  • Ministers and judges
  • Nurses and doctors
  • Merchants and professionals
  • Immigrants and landed gentry
  • Members of every race and many creeds
  • A beloved Baltimore Colt
  • An infamous movie star
  • Individuals and families
  • Some who lived beyond 100 years…
  • and some who lived only a few hours
  • Some known all over the world for their work…
  • and some known only to God