Glenwood Cemetery

01/18/2026

From around the grounds at Glenwood🌿🌰🤍

01/15/2026

Take a moment to reflect on January 2025, when a breathtaking snowstorm blanketed Houston in a delicate layer of white. From the Glenwood Cemetery archive, we have a captivating photo that captures this enchanting moment, featuring our majestic century-old oak tree draped in snow. The scene perfectly reflects the tranquility of our cemetery grounds, even in the most unexpected weather.

While we may not have experienced snow this year, we continue to admire the beauty of our iconic oak tree, which stands tall and proud, a timeless symbol of resilience and grace.

01/13/2026

Discover Glenwood through a guided walking tour 🌿

From history and architecture to notable interments, Glenwood offers a variety of walking tours led by Preservation Houston (), each highlighting a different aspect of our historic grounds. It’s a meaningful way to explore Glenwood and learn more about its rich story.

Looking for a more personalized experience? Private tours are also available and can be tailored to your group’s interests.

Visit the link in our bio to learn more.

01/10/2026

in 1857, Captain James A. Baker was born in Huntsville, Texas. A respected attorney and banker, he is best known for solving the murder of William Marsh Rice and successfully defending Rice’s will. His many accomplishments include serving as president of the Houston Bar Association, founding and serving on the board of the Houston Gas Company, becoming the founding president of the Guardian Trust Company, and helping organize the Galveston, Houston and Henderson Railway.

He was married to Alice Graham Baker, a Houston civic leader and philanthropist, and the two were wed on his 26th birthday. Captain Baker is laid to rest here at Glenwood Cemetery, a lasting reminder of his impact on the city of Houston.

01/09/2026

Our Greenhouse is just getting started with small planting projects to keep our grounds beautiful. Our goal is to grow the majority of the plants used to enhance Glenwood right here on site. If you’d like to help us grow, visit the link in our bio to make a gift of support. Every donation helps us bring more life and color to Glenwood. 🌿

01/07/2026

The Yuletide Camellia is a symbol of winter beauty and resilience, blooming at a time when most plants lie dormant. Its vibrant red petals and golden center remind us of strength, inner fortitude, and the quiet beauty that can emerge even during cold and dark seasons. In cemeteries and memorial landscapes, camellias are especially meaningful, representing remembrance, endurance, and the continuity of life. Their winter blooms offer comfort and reflection, serving as a living reminder that beauty and hope persist even in times of stillness. 💝

01/05/2026

Today is and we’re highlighting the Yellow-crowned Night Heron. This adult was spotted hanging out by Glenwood’s Stream Garden. You can identify this species by its boldly marked black-and-white head and yellow crown, which can sometimes be hard to see depending on the lighting. These herons’ nest near or over water, often high in pine and oak trees up to 60 feet tall.

This is just one of the many diverse bird species that call Glenwood home. Come take a stroll through our grounds and see how many birds you can spot. Don’t forget to tag us with your sightings!📸

01/01/2026

12/29/2025

Have you ever seen a grave blanket? These winter tributes, made from cedar, pine, and fir, have adorned graves for over a century, symbolizing warmth, love, and remembrance during the cold months.

Originating with Scandinavian settlers in the northern U.S., who used evergreens to "keep loved ones warm" beneath the snow, grave blankets have evolved from simple greenery to intricate designs, enhanced with ribbons and pinecones, brightening the winter landscape.

By the mid-20th century, this practice had become a cherished part of American holiday traditions, as evident from a 1954 advertisement listing "Grave Blankets" alongside Christmas wreaths.

Beyond their beauty, these evergreen coverings represent the endurance of memory, thriving against the winter's stillness. At Glenwood, they symbolize eternal life, reminding us that love and remembrance renew with each passing season. 🌿

12/27/2025

Born on December 31, 1860, Joseph S. Cullinan was a pioneering oilman whose work helped shape Texas’s early petroleum industry. He founded Magnolia Petroleum and later Texaco, bringing innovation to Corsicana, Beaumont, and Houston - helping establish Houston as a major oil capital. Cullinan also championed civic projects, including the Houston Ship Channel, local arts institutions, and even the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Committee.

12/22/2025

Then & Now: Glenwood’s Main Avenue 🌿

From its winding, tree-lined drive in 1890 to the elegant brick gates of Today, Glenwood's entrance has transformed beautifully while retaining its welcoming spirit.

✨ In 1890, a hand-drawn illustration from The City of Houston depicts "Main Avenue," an enchanting path lined with towering trees, embodying the calm of the rural garden cemetery movement.

📮 By 1907, a postcard showcases the "Main Driveway" adorned with hedges and a wooden sign, reflecting the early 20th century's dedication to natural beauty.

🌿 In 2005, the ivy-covered gate piers and wrought-iron fence preserved Glenwood's charm amid Houston's growth.

🏛️ Today, the restored brick and iron gates blend historic preservation with modern craftsmanship, ensuring that Glenwood remains a cherished place of reflection and serenity.