Lakewood is home to an incredible variety of monuments and while each type of monument, from elegant flat markers to one-of-a-kind statues, has its fans, some universal favorites are our beautiful tall monuments. It’s no wonder that so many visitors — and staff — ask which Lakewood monument is the tallest.
For years, the Rocheleau Monument in Section 23 has been cited as the tallest. But some have wondered if it really deserves the title. Many Lakewood tour guides and team members have suggested the Hull Monument in Section 2 may deserve the bragging rights. In fact, when we took a Lakewood team poll, the results were nearly tied.
Appearances can be deceiving
Both monuments are clearly the tallest in their section. The Rocheleau monument, in Section 23, sits on a slight hill which visually makes it appear even taller when you’re standing on the road next to it, and the urn atop the Hull monument in Section 2 is often hidden behind the trees.
The Hull family monument in Section 2
The Rocheleau family monument in Section 23
The Measurement Process
To solve the mystery, we turned the process into a fun challenge. Our Community Events Coordinator, Abbie Anderson, found a simple and effective method for measuring the monuments—a technique often used for determining the height of trees. With just a few supplies and a little teamwork, the results were within reach.
Here’s what we used:
- A 12-inch ruler
- Two people
- A calculator
Step-by-step instructions:
- Positioning: One person stands next to the monument, while the other person holds the ruler at arm’s length.
- Finding the right distance: The person with the ruler walks away from the monument until the bottom of the monument visually aligns with the bottom of the ruler and the top aligns with the 10-inch mark. If the monument doesn’t fit perfectly, adjust the distance until it does.
- Marking the measurement: Identify a spot on the monument that lines up with the 1-inch mark on the ruler. Guide the person standing by the monument to note this point and hold their place.
- Measuring the height: Measure the distance from the marked spot on the monument to the ground in feet.
- Calculating the result: Multiply the distance by 10 to determine the monument’s total height.
To ensure accuracy, we took several measurements and averaged the results.
The Results Are In!
After completing our measurements, we’re excited to announce the tallest monument at Lakewood is…
The Hull Family Monument!
Hull family monument image courtesy of Find A Grave
Standing proudly in Section 2, Lakewood’s oldest section, the Hull Monument now holds its rightful place as the tallest. We invite you to visit this remarkable piece of history and see it for yourself.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on this fun and fascinating journey. This project was more than just a measurement challenge—it was a celebration of the stories, artistry, and legacy that make Lakewood so special. At Lakewood, every monument has a story to share, and we hope this inspires you to explore and discover the beauty of our grounds for yourself.
Thanks for joining us on this fun project! – The measurement team (Seth, Abbie, Amanda and Julie.)
