The Smith and Whaley family mausoleum in Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston.
Egyptian designs were popular during the Victorian era and wealth was returning to Charleston after the cities destruction during the US Civil War. This land was once the Umbra Plantation, however by the late 1800’s it was almost completely a cemetery.
This mausoleum fits perfectly into the old ‘rust, ruin, beauty’ that’s now Magnolia.
I have photographed this spot many times, it may be one of the most photogenic locations in town… if you can find it.
These photographs are best viewed large.
What a stunning place – I especially love that door, the green patina, and that mosaic-style stone floor (I think?). Absolutely beautiful.
Yep, mosaic floor. High in the back is a window, stained glass and made by Tiffany, was worth a treasure on its own until a storm damaged it. The tomb is a strange and beautiful sight sitting on a swamp pond, looking over salt marsh.