Woodlawn Cemetery was established in the mid nineteenth century during a time when the rural cemetery movement was reshaping how Americans viewed burial grounds. Chartered in 1858 and later expanded, the cemetery was designed as a peaceful, park like setting with winding paths, rolling hills, and carefully planned landscapes.

The cemetery was laid out by noted landscape designer Howard Daniels, who embraced the natural terrain to create a scenic resting place that blended nature with memorial art. Its design featured tree lined avenues, ornamental plantings, and elaborate monuments that reflected the Victorian era fascination with beauty, remembrance, and reflection.

As Elmira grew into an important regional center, Woodlawn Cemetery became a repository of local history. Many of the regions most influential citizens were laid to rest here, including politicians, military leaders, and cultural figures. Among the most famous is Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, whose grave continues to draw visitors from around the world.

During the American Civil War, the cemetery took on additional significance with the creation of the adjacent Woodlawn National Cemetery. This section became the burial ground for thousands of Confederate prisoners who died at the nearby Elmira Prison camp, a site remembered for its harsh conditions and high death toll.

Today, Woodlawn Cemetery remains an active burial ground and a historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its combination of natural beauty, architectural detail, and deep historical connections continues to make it one of the most significant cemeteries in New York State.

Woodlawn Cemetery has developed a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in the Elmira region, with visitors reporting strange experiences throughout its historic grounds. The combination of Civil War tragedy, prominent burials, and Victorian-era atmosphere has created a setting where many believe the past still lingers.

One of the most well-known legends centers around the grave of Mark Twain. Visitors have claimed to smell cigar smoke drifting through the air even when no one is nearby. People often attribute this phenomenon to Twain himself, as he was famously known for his love of cigars.

Another commonly reported experience involves hearing phantom footsteps along the winding paths of the cemetery. These footsteps are often described as slow and deliberate, echoing through otherwise quiet sections of the grounds, especially during early morning or late evening visits.

Witnesses have also reported seeing shadowy figures moving between monuments and mausoleums. Some describe these figures as human-shaped silhouettes that disappear when approached, while others claim to have seen a woman in period clothing wandering among the graves.

Throughout the cemetery, particularly near older sections and the Civil War burial areas, witnesses frequently note cold spots and sudden drops in temperature. Paranormal enthusiasts believe these temperature shifts may indicate spiritual activity tied to the thousands who were laid to rest there under tragic circumstances.