7 Famous People Buried in Upstate New York

There were many famous people throughout history to be born in Upstate New York, but did you know there are also many buried here as well? We have actors, writers, and musicians whose final resting place is a short drive away. If you love the historical element of cemeteries, then you'll love these 7 celebrity burial sites.

1. Lucille Ball

Actor and Comedian Lucille Ball was most known for her role as Lucy in the hit television program 'I Love Lucy.' Not only was she born in Upstate, NY, but she also was laid to rest here. She is buried in Lakeview Cemetery in Jamestown, NY.

2. Louise Brooks

Louise was born in Kansas, but she was buried in the place she died. She was a star of the stage and screen and made famous the "bob" haircut during the flapper era. She was in several successful American films, and was known to be very open about her sexuality. She died of a heart attack in Rochester, NY and that is where she was buried. She is buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester, NY.

3. Rick James

Rick James didn't just make the Jheri Curl famous. He was one of the most legendary musicians during the 70s and 80s. Arguably his most popular song was 'Superfreak.' He died in August of 2004 in Los Angeles, but was brought back to his hometown of Buffalo to be buried. He is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, NY.

4. Maureen O'Sullivan

Maureen O'Sullivan is another famous actress from the 1930s. She was born in Ireland, but made quite the career for herself in the film industry. One of her most popular roles came in 1932 as Jane in the movie 'Tarzan The Ape Man.' She is buried at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna, NY.

5. Hal Roach

Hal Roach was a comedy legend who was most known for his work as a Comedy Producer. His most recognizable credits were the comedy series 'Laurel and Hardy,' and 'Our Gang' which later became known as 'Little Rascals.' He was born in Elmira, NY, and that is where he was laid to rest. He is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, NY.

6. Samuel Clemens AKA Mark Twain

Another famous and iconic figure in American history was Samuel Clemens. He was best known for his pen name, Mark Twain, and had several writing credits. His most famous works were The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer. Though he was not born in Upstate New York, he was buried in his wife's family plot. Like Hal Roach, he is also buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, NY.

7. Harriet Tubman

Finally, one of the most iconic names in American history is none other than Harriet Tubman. She was instrumental in the movement to free slaves, and was best known for her creation of the Underground Railroad. Towards the end of her life, she purchased land in Auburn, NY and continued her work to help those who were enslaved. She lived there until her death in 1913. She is buried in Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn, NY.

BONUS VIDEO: New York's Top 5 Causes of Death