In the 19th century , a train to the north suburbs occupied the eastern edge of the cemetery , where the Chicago " L " train now runs . The line was also used to carry mourners to funerals , in specially rented funeral cars . As a result , there was an entry through the east wall , which has since been closed . When founded , the cemetery was well outside the city limits of Chicago . After the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 , Lincoln Park , which had been the city 's cemetery , was deconsecrated and some of the bodies were reinterred to Graceland Cemetery . The edge of the pond around Daniel Burnham 's burial island was once lined with broken headstones and coping transported from Lincoln Park . Lincoln Park was redeveloped as a recreational area . A single mausoleum remains , the " Couch tomb " , containing the remains of Ira Couch . The Couch Tomb is probably the oldest extant structure in the City , everything else having been destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Graceland Cemetery