The Grave of Dorothy

Cemeteries in one way or another have always been an integral part of life no matter who you are or how you finished. In the end, all that remains of you are the bones, a tombstone/( Estates on Mac and family have dollar diapers) and memories, some of which are significant enough to be defeated As something tangible. As in the case of a grave of a little girl named Dorothy. who is the namesake of the famous Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.

In 1900, author L. Frank Baum wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, a book that would go on to become a beloved classic and shape generations of children’s literature and film. The character of Dorothy Gale was inspired by a real girl named Dorothy Louise Gage, and she’s buried right here in this cemetery.

Her grave is just over there, and there's also an incredible statue nearby. It was carved from a tree, and it depicts Judy Garland's portrayal of Dorothy from the film, holding Toto. The craftsmanship is stunning, especially since it was created by a chainsaw artist!

Dorothy Louise Gage was the daughter of Thomas and Sophie Gage. Tragically, she passed away at only five months old due to a condition that was referred to as “brain congestion” at the time.

This could have been caused by anything from meningitis to a brain tumor, but back then, they weren’t able to accurately diagnose it. Her death was a deep blow to her family, especially to her aunt Maud Bal, who was married to L. Frank Baum. Maud was particularly devastated by the loss, and her emotional trauma became the inspiration for Baum’s decision to name his book’s heroine after little Dorothy.

L. Frank Baum was known for drawing inspiration from people he knew, and he often used their names for characters in his books. This is how Dorothy’s name found its way into The Wizard of Oz. Baum didn’t just stop with Dorothy—many of his characters were based on people in his life, though he often gave them fantastical twists.

The tree statue nearby was created as a tribute to Dorothy, with a beautiful rendition of Judy Garland’s Dorothy, holding her basket and Toto. A chainsaw artist carved the image from a tree that had to be cut down. It's a remarkable tribute to both the girl who inspired the name and to the beloved character of Dorothy in the story.

If you're looking for Dorothy’s grave, it’s just behind the tree sculpture, marked by two bushes. It’s a simple but moving memorial for the girl who inspired such an iconic figure in literary and pop culture history.

Dorothy passed away on November 11, 1898, just two years before Baum’s book was published. The timing is significant because it shows how close her death was to the creation of the character. After Dorothy's death, Thomas and Sophie Gage moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota, where they lived for the remainder of their lives. They are not buried here, leaving Dorothy as the sole resting place in this cemetery.

What’s fascinating is that The Wizard of Oz was not immediately a huge success when it was first published. It wasn’t until the 1939 film adaptation starring Judy Garland that it truly became a cultural phenomenon. The movie, in particular, cemented Dorothy as one of the most beloved characters in film history. Baum, however, went on to write 13 more Oz books, building a fantasy world that captivated generations, even though he never saw the full impact of his creation during his lifetime.

Baum’s inspiration came from many sources, including his own childhood and the Midwest landscape. The land of Oz was a way for Baum to create an idealized version of the world, contrasting with the harsh realities of life at the time, such as the Populist movement and economic difficulties. Dorothy, with her iconic line “There’s no place like home,” symbolized the yearning for safety and stability that many Americans of the time felt.

In many ways, Baum’s Oz series laid the groundwork for modern fantasy storytelling, influencing countless authors and filmmakers, including J.K. Rowling and Tim Burton. The book’s themes of friendship, bravery, and the search for self-discovery are still widely resonant today.

So when you think of Dorothy, remember this spot and reflect on the legacy of both the real-life girl and the fictional character. And as Dorothy famously said, there’s no place like home.