Al Capone is one of the most notorious figures in Chicago, the United States of America and the world. Capone is synonymous with Prohibition-era Chicago and organized crime. One of our most frequently asked questions is, “Where is Al Capone buried?” The mystery of Al Capone’s gravesite may have some visitors taking a trip to both Mount Carmel Cemetery and Mount Olivet Cemetery. A visit to each would satisfy your interest in exploring part of Chicago’s criminal history. Capone’s final resting place tells a surprising story that fascinates history buffs, true crime enthusiasts and taphophiles alike. Pay your respects to the legends of Chicago history at some of the cemeteries listed below.
- Where Is Al Capone Buried?
- Can You Visit Al Capone’s Gravesite?
- What Does Al Capone’s Grave Look Like?
- Has Al Capone’s Grave Ever Been Somewhere Else?
- Why Was Al Capone Buried at Mount Carmel Cemetery?
- How Did Al Capone Die?
Where Is Al Capone Buried?
Al Capone is buried at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois, approximately 30 minutes west of Chicago. Owned by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, the cemetery serves as the final resting place for the Capone family and several members of the Capone Gang.
Can You Visit Al Capone’s Gravesite?
Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery is open daily from 8am-7pm. Visitors are invited to pay respects during open hours. Photos and videos are for private use only and must not be published. These are sacred grounds.
The official Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery website provides more detailed information about the rules and best practices, as well as helpful maps. Google Maps also has grave markers of where to find the popular spots for history buffs and crime tour enthusiasts.
What Does Al Capone’s Grave Look Like?
The Capone Family plot has a tall pale gray stone monument with a large modern cross at the top, grape vines carved into a center panel and “CAPONE” in all caps near the bottom. Two large, shapely pruned bushes adorn both sides of the Capone monument.
The family plot has several grave markers for several generations of Capones. The matching pale gray grave markers are flat and simple. These smaller gray grave markers have one just a little larger than the others. Al’s slightly larger gravestone has a cross on the left side with flourishes on each side of the cross, which reads, “ALPHONSE CAPONE 1899-1947 MY JESUS MERCY.”
Has Al Capone’s Grave Ever Been Somewhere Else?
Al Capone was originally buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, which is also owned by the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Capone family chose to move Al’s body, as well as his brother Frank and father Gabriel, to a family plot in Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery in 1952 upon the death of Al’s mother, Teresa.
The tall, polished black granite original headstone for Al Capone still stands at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. This cemetery has best practices, rules and maps available on their website. Pay your respects at this historic gravestone. The polished black stone has rough edges, olive branches at each top corner, and a heart etched with a cross within. This former monument to the Chicago legend reads:
OUR RIPOSA GABRIELE CAPONE NATO DEC. 29. 1865 MORTO NOV. 14. 1920
OUR RIPOSA SALVATORE CAPONE NATO LUGLIO 16. 1895 MORTO APRILE 1. 1924
AL CAPONE 1899-1947 REST IN PEACE CAPONE”.
While visiting Mt. Olivet Cemetery, notice other taphophiles enjoying the walk through the quiet and winding paved paths throughout. This is a sacred place to honor, respect, and pay homage to loved ones and historic Chicago figures.
Why Was Al Capone Buried at Mount Carmel Cemetery?
The Capone family chose to move his grave to Mount Carmel Cemetery for many reasons, including vandalism to Al Capone’s gravestone and to be with other family members.
Mount Carmel is also where several famous Chicago gangsters are laid to rest. Other notable gangsters buried at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery include Frank Nitti, Dean O’Banion, and Hymie Weiss.
How Did Al Capone Die?
Al Capone suffered a fatal heart attack on January 25, 1947, as he stepped out of the shower at his luxurious Miami, Florida mansion. Learn more about what led up to Al Capone’s imprisonment and final years at the family estate in Florida on an upcoming Chicago Crime Tour or Night Crimes Tour.
Al Capone’s gravesite may be visited respectfully. Read more about the Capone family and Dierdre Capone (Al’s niece, Frank’s daughter) in her book, “Uncle Al Capone.”
Ready to explore more of Chicago’s criminal past? Check out our Books & More page for recommendations to learn more and join a Chicago Crime Tour or Night Crimes Tour to discover where and how Al Capone built his empire. Learn about the rival gangs that fought for territory during Prohibition. While these tours don’t include a visit to the gravesite, they provide essential context that makes a visit to Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery or Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery even more meaningful. As with visiting any cemetery, please do so with the utmost respect and observe the rules of each place accordingly.
