LAUREL LAND MEMORIAL PARK

I would like to thank the generous and unselfish people like Mrs. Martha Vaughan, the folks at Laurel Land Memorial Park, and others to who have made it possible for me to provide the information below.

I’ve tried to outline for you details regarding where the site is, proper etiquette and what the family would prefer fans to do and not do,  to pay their respects, yet keeping a sense of reverence.  This benefits all parties involved and fans who visit and adhere to these guidelines will have the appreciation of the family.

Please keep that in mind if you have plans to visit Laurel Land. The cemetery is a peaceful, serene, beautiful place.  The family asks that a quiet celebration of his birth and life while there will echo the spirit of Stevie Ray Vaughan.

IF you are planning a visit, PLEASE keep reading below for some guidelines and suggestions as given by both the Vaughan family and Laurel Land.

Here are some photos and maps to help you get there.
(the rules and maps open in a new window to make easier to print)

Laurel Land web site

The Vaughan Estate is easily reachable from the main boulevard if you enter from the North or West entrance gates, and is clearly marked by a sign. A map showing the location of the cemetery in Dallas and the location of the Vaughan Estate is furnished above. However, if you are not sure, please stop at the cemetery office and ask – they graciously offer maps to the “island”.

There is a flower shop located within the cemetery. Traditionally, fans leave purple blooms – but there is also a wide and beautiful selection.

Some Suggested Tips While Visiting:

PLEASE do not ask the cemetery staff or search for the location of the original gravesites.  Contrary to any rumor, Stevie and Mr. & Mrs. Vaughan ARE buried in The Vaughan Estate for the very logical reason that the island is more accessible to the public. The staff is prohibited by law from revealing the location of the original sites, and it is a waste of your time and theirs to ask. Fruitless searching can mean heavy foot traffic through less public areas of the cemetery, and more maintenance and work for the staff.

While it is traditional among fans to leave guitar picks, personal items, (which are later gathered and donated) and flowers at the island, cigarettes are discouraged, since it is a cemetery. Removing items from the grave site is also discouraged. Please do not leave items in the trees around the island, as these can be difficult for the staff to remove.

As Jimmie Lee Vaughan served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, a small flag at his site is a suggested and traditional gesture of respect.

Extremely loud music is also discouraged. While Stevie would certainly appreciate the tunes, playing them at high volume can be disconcerting to other people visiting loved ones in the park. Turn ‘em on…just don’t turn ‘em up! This has been a continuing complaint to the staff and they and the family would very much appreciate fans being considerate in this area  (some folks have come to visit and then left without visiting the graveside because of this).

Please keep in mind that there is security at Laurel Land, so any vandalism or defacing of the sites and markers is prohibited by law, and this is strictly enforced. Remember that while the island is designed to be accessible to the public, it is still the private property of the family and Stevie’s loyal fans work hard to maintain the peace and serenity there.

~*~