Mount Olivet Cemetery is located in theMaspeth neighborhood ofQueens inNew York City. Named forJerusalem'sMount of Olives, it was incorporated in 1850 under theRural Cemetery Act of 1847. Originally established as anEpiscopal cemetery, that restriction was lifted in 1851.
The land that comprises the cemetery was acquired from George Fash and the estate of James Waterbury. It was later purchased in 1878, which brought it to today's total of 71 acres. It was a popular weekend destination in the 19th century and is known for its views ofManhattan.[1]
On the cemetery grounds is the Robert J. Marks Post #560Grand Army of the Republic Lot, on which is located aCivil War memorial dedicated "to the Defenders of theUnion". 25 Civil War veterans and seventeen wives are buried in the lot. In addition to one of the founders, former U.S. CongressmanJames Maurice, the cemetery is also home toGeorges V. Matchabelli,Helena Rubinstein, andLegs Diamond.[2]
40°43′14″N73°53′46″W / 40.72056°N 73.89611°W /40.72056; -73.89611