Where Is President Millard Fillmore Buried? Visiting His Grave in Buffalo’s Forest Lawn Cemetery

In Buffalo, New York’s historic  Forest Lawn Cemetery rests one of America’s most forgotten presidents: Millard Fillmore.

His granite monument is dignified but not flashy—much like the man himself. A tall obelisk rises above the family plot, marked clearly with his name and presidential title. To truly appreciate it, it’s helpful to have at least a basic background on Fillmore.  

A Brief History of Millard Fillmore

Born on Jan 7, 1800, in a log cabin in upstate New York, Fillmore rose from poverty through determination and education. He became a lawyer, served in Congress, and eventually was elected vice president under Zachary Taylor.  When Taylor died unexpectedly in 1850, Fillmore assumed the presidency during one of the most volatile periods in American history.

His presidency is most closely tied to the Compromise of 1850, a series of measures aimed at easing tensions between free and slave states.

While the compromise temporarily held the Union together, it included the highly controversial Fugitive Slave Act—legislation that severely damaged Fillmore’s legacy. After leaving office, he returned to Buffalo, where he remained active in civic life until his death on March 8, 1874.

Visiting President Fillmore’s Grave

We visited President Fillmore’s grave on a beautiful late spring afternoon. There was no cloud in the deep blue skies.  Forest Lawn Cemetery is widely considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in America.

Fillmore’s grave is in Forest Lawn Cemetery, at Section F, Lot 55, Grave 4.  There are parking spots near the grave, which were empty when we pulled in. 

It’s certainly not the most visited presidential gravesite. There are no long lines or gift shops. Just quiet, trees, and a chapter of American history resting beneath the stone.

Standing at Fillmore’s grave, my wife and I were the only people in sight.  It’s a great place to take in just how complicated history can be and how leaders can be both significant and controversial. We did not spend long there, only about 15 minutes. But it was definitely worth the stop.

If you’re exploring Buffalo, this stop connects you directly to a president who tried to guide the nation through the growing storm before the Civil War… or, depending on how you read history, may have pushed it closer to the edge.