Visiting the Grave of the Wright Brothers—Woodland Cemetery

In July of 2024, we traveled to Dayton, Ohio, and one of the stops on this trip was to pay our respects to the Wright Brothers at the historical Woodland Cemetery. Not only were we able to visit their graves, but we found some other fascinating history as well.

Woodland Cemetery, located in Dayton, Ohio, is one of the oldest and most historically significant cemeteries in the region. Established in 1841, it spans over 200 acres and is known for its beautiful landscapes, notable monuments, and rich history. The cemetery was founded as a response to the overcrowding of local graveyards and has become a final resting place for many important personalities in Dayton's history. The cemetery features various architectural styles, including Gothic, Romanesque, and Victorian, evident in its mausoleums and monuments. It is the burial site of several influential individuals, including Paul Laurence Dunbar, a famous African-American poet. The Wright Brothers and family, along with Charles F. Kettering, an inventor and engineer renowned for his contributions to the automotive industry, are also buried there.

The cemetery is designed with winding paths, mature trees, and serene ponds, making it a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance. Guided tours are often available, which reveal the history of the cemetery and the notable figures interred there. Woodland Cemetery hosts various events throughout the year, including Memorial Day services and educational programs.

Woodland Cemetery is located at 118 Woodland Ave, Dayton, OH 45409. The cemetery is typically open from dawn to dusk, allowing visitors to explore at their convenience. For more information, visitors can reach out to the cemetery office or check their official website for updates on events and tours. Woodland Cemetery serves not only as a burial ground but also as a historical site that reflects the cultural and social history of Dayton, Ohio.

Wilbur Wright, age 38

Orville Wright, age 34

The graves of the Wright Brothers (who are buried together) are located in section 101, where they are buried with their parents, sister, and younger siblings that died as infants. Wilbur Wright died of typhoid fever on May 30, 1912, at the age of 45. On January 30, 1948, Orville Wright, then 76 years old, passed away from a heart attack.

Our visit to the gravesite of the Wright Brothers was an intriguing adventure. We had not been on an adventure for some time and have always had Dayton, Ohio, on our bucket list for a few reasons; however, we did say if we found ourselves in Dayton, we needed to visit these graves to pay our respects. We spent a few hours at the cemetery and almost an hour at the graves of the Wright Brothers. We found it fascinating that the brothers had two younger siblings that had passed away as infants and that all of the family was actually buried together in the same plot. As you look around the plot, there are several different markers and commemorative plaques from various groups over the years.

The cemetery is very well groomed, well taken care of, and peaceful. A typical cemetery from the time was designed to be somewhat of a park for families and friends to stop by and spend the afternoon and some time with their passed loved ones. If you ever find yourself in Dayton, Ohio, you should definitely stop by and pay your respects.