Tennessee is home to some unique graves called tent graves or comb graves, but why are these graves built in this unique way?

Tombstone Tourism

Usually when we hear the word "tourism" we think of scenic places that people flock to.  Places like the mountains, or tropical destinations.  However, there are many types of tourism.  While some folks enjoy visiting places with beautiful scenery, some like to visit places with unusual or interesting history.  There's even people who like to visit cemeteries from all over the world, these people are often referred to as "tombstone tourists."   While cemeteries may not be the most "scenic" of places, there is no doubt that many cemeteries hold a lot of history, and almost feel like a museum.  For this reason, many people flock to Tennessee to see the state's tent graves.

What are Tent Graves?

Tennessee is well known for unique graves called tent graves, or comb graves.  These graves have a normal headstone, but then two concrete slabs are placed together to make a tent-shape or a triangle over the actual grave.  These graves are quite the sight as you can imagine when you visit a cemetery.

According to Atlas Obscura, while Tennessee is commonly known for having tent graves, similar-style graves have been found in Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas, and even in Texas.

The tent structures themselves were made of sandstone from the area, though sometimes limestone was used. The various tents found in Mount Gilead are supported by triangle cut stones at both ends, inserted under the stone slabs. Some of these graves have caved in or fallen apart over the years, but most are as sturdy as the day they were constructed.

Why Are These Graves Shaped Like Tents?

There are a few theories as to why tent graves were a popular choice.  Atlas Obscura says it was mainly a style choice, but some believe it was to keep animals away from the graves.

Newstalk 941 in Tennessee spoke with local geologist, Ric Finch, and he says evidence seems to support the protection from animals theory.

Finch said theories for the origins of comb grave construction range from keeping the rain off the grave to protecting the grave from animals. He said conversations with locals supported the protection from animals theory.

Newstalk 941 has a great in-depth article with geologist Ric Finch about tent graves, but I think the most fascinating of all, is that even though similarly styled graves have been found in other states, White County, Tennessee is where tent graves originate.