Winding cobblestone streets, colonial charm, and the salty breeze from the Chesapeake Bay — Annapolis, Maryland, is truly a town where history lingers around every brick. But beyond its bustling harbor, 18th-century architecture, and patriotic legacy lies a quieter, more solemn place that whispers tales of the past through weathered headstones and moss-draped trees: the Historic Annapolis Cemetery. Nestled on the outskirts of downtown, this resting ground is more than just a burial site; it’s a time capsule of Maryland’s oldest capital, rich with both historical significance and eerie mystique. Whether you’re a history buff tracing the lineage of American forefathers or a curious ghost hunter on the trail of unexplained phenomena, the Historic Annapolis Cemetery is a destination that invites exploration — and perhaps, a deeper connection to those who came before us.
The History
Origins of the Historic Annapolis Cemetery
The Historic Annapolis Cemetery, officially known as Cedar Bluff, was established in the mid-19th century as the city expanded beyond its original colonial boundaries. Located at 800 West Street, the cemetery sits on a gentle hill offering a panoramic view of the city’s evolving landscape, quietly overlooking centuries of growth and transformation. It was first laid out in 1869 as a nondenominational burial ground, created to accommodate the city’s diverse and growing population. Before Cedar Bluff, many of the deceased were buried in churchyards or small family plots — many of which had reached capacity by the late 1800s.
Over time, the cemetery became the final resting place for many of Annapolis’s prominent citizens, war veterans, and even state legislators. Its layout, shaded under sprawling oak and elm trees, evokes a sense of reverence with its winding pathways and carefully tended flora. The grave markers range from simple, unmarked stones to elaborate Victorian monuments, each telling its own story in stone.
Final Resting Place of Notable Figures
Among the gravestones and crypts of the Historic Annapolis Cemetery lie the remains of several notable Marylandians. Politicians, naval officers, and educators who played pivotal roles in both state and national history remain memorialized here. Notably, the cemetery is home to several Civil War veterans — from both Union and Confederate sides — whose presence serves as a stark reminder of Maryland’s complicated place in American history.
Also interred here are Annapolis residents who lived through the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and significant civic changes in Maryland’s political landscape. Among them is General George H. Steuart, a Confederate general born in Maryland who fought in several major Civil War battles. His large family plot is one of the more visited areas in the cemetery by Civil War historians and enthusiasts.
Annapolis and the Naval Connection
Given Annapolis’s strong naval ties, thanks to the nearby United States Naval Academy, it’s no surprise that many buried at Cedar Bluff had careers tied to maritime service. The site is a patchwork of naval uniforms etched into stone, anchors carved into marble, and flags placed reverently during patriotic holidays. These markers chronicle the stories of sailors, commanders, and shipbuilders whose lives shaped America’s maritime legacy.
The Haunt
As with many centuries-old cemeteries, whispered stories and chilling encounters are as plentiful as the fallen leaves in autumn. The Historic Annapolis Cemetery has earned a reputation among local ghost hunters and paranormal researchers as one of the city’s most spiritually active sites. Its age, historical richness, and the turbulent lives (and deaths) of its residents make it a hotbed for spectral activity.
Documented Paranormal Activity
Visitors and caretakers have reported a variety of strange occurrences over the years. From unexplained cold spots — even in the heat of summer — to the feeling of being watched, Cedar Bluff seems to pulse with an energy that cannot be easily explained. Many local paranormal investigation groups have conducted nighttime visits, yielding intriguing results captured through EMF detectors, EVP recordings, and infrared cameras.
One of the most commonly reported apparitions is that of a mourning woman dressed in 19th-century garb, often seen gliding between the rows near the older sections of the cemetery. Witnesses describe her as wearing a black veil and appearing during dusk or just before dawn. She is believed to be the widow of a Civil War soldier, forever searching for her lost love who, according to legend, died before they could reunite after the war.
The Soldier’s Spirit
Several reports reference a uniformed figure who appears briefly near the grave of General George H. Steuart, sometimes saluting passersby or fading into the mist. Paranormal investigators have speculated that this could be either the general himself or a devoted soldier from one of the regiments he commanded. The air near his tomb is often described as “charged,” with unusual audio recordings collected by EVP equipment capturing what some believe are whispers or the echo of military commands.
Unmarked Graves and Uneasy Spirits
During restoration and renovation projects in the 20th century, workers uncovered evidence of several unmarked graves, possibly dating back to the early 1800s. These bodies, buried outside documented plots, may have been African American laborers, servants, or unidentified soldiers. The discovery sparked both historical interest and reports of “restless” activity in those specific areas. Tools were mysteriously displaced overnight, workers reported feelings of nausea, and at least one crew member quit mid-project after experiencing what he described as an “oppressive presence.”
Local Ghost Tours and Folklore
Cedar Bluff has rightfully found its way onto several local ghost tours. Guides often conclude their candlelit walks here, recounting not only the facts of the cemetery’s history but also the legends that make it such a hauntingly beautiful stop on any paranormal itinerary. Some tours include personal stories from Annapolis locals — tales passed down for generations of voices in the wind, flickering lights late at night, and ancestors who refuse to be forgotten.
Conclusion: Unearth the Past
For ghost hunters, history lovers, or simply those drawn to places where time feels a little fuzzy around the edges, the Historic Annapolis Cemetery is a must-visit destination. Walking through its gates is like stepping into a portal — a thin veil separates this world from the next, and it’s this liminal space that gives Cedar Bluff its quiet pull. Whether you’re chasing shadows with an EMF meter or tracing genealogical roots through centuries-old marble, this site offers a glimpse into Maryland’s layered legacy.
So pack your camera, grab your spirit box, and step lightly — the spirits of the past may just be waiting to tell their story. Annapolis is a city that wears its history proudly, and nowhere is that more evident — or more chilling — than within the solemn, sacred grounds of the Historic Annapolis Cemetery.