Henry Evelyn Pierrepont (1808-1888) conceived of the idea for Green-Wood Cemetery in the early 1830s, envisioning an area amid the picturesque hills of Brooklyn, to serve those in the New York City area with natural and serene burial space. By 1838, Pierrepont’s vision finally became a reality. On April 18, 1838, The New York State Legislature passed an Act of Incorporation, declaring that “The Green-Wood Cemetery” was established “for the purpose of establishing a public burial ground in the City of Brooklyn.” Pictured here is the original founding document. Click the image to expand.