William Hamilton inherited the Woodlands, located across the river, in 1747. The mansion he built there was called one of the greatest American architectural achievements of the 18th century. Hamilton planted many exotic plants on his estate and in greenhouses. Cemeteries in gardens outside the city became popular in the 1800s. The trustees of the Woodlands Cemetery purchased the heart of the estate in 1840 to preserve the site and provide a peaceful final resting place. Notable people buried at Woodlands include artist Thomas Eakins, sculptor William Rush, surgeon Samuel David Gross, architect Paul Philipe Cret, University founder Anthony Joseph Drexel, and soup company founder Joseph Campbell.
