Rowland H. Macy

Birth Name:

Rowland Hussey Macy

Birth Date:

August 30, 1822

Birth Place:

Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

Death Date:

March 29, 1877

Place of Death:

Paris, France

Age:

Cause of Death:

Bright's disease (kidney failure)

Cemetery Name:

Woodlawn Cemetery

Claim to Fame:

Business and Finance

Associates:

Isidor Straus

Rowland H. Macy (1822–1877) was an American businessman best known as the founder of Macy’s department store. Born in Nantucket, Massachusetts, he began his career at sea as a whaler before turning to retail. Macy opened a series of small shops, most of which failed, before achieving success with his New York City store, R.H. Macy & Co., founded in 1858 on Sixth Avenue. His innovative business practices—such as fixed prices, cash sales (no credit), and extensive advertising—helped revolutionize retail and set the foundation for the modern department store. Macy’s business thrived, and his store became a landmark of American consumer culture. Rowland H. Macy died in 1877 in Paris, France, reportedly of Bright’s disease (a kidney ailment). After his death, his store continued to grow under Isidor and Nathan Straus, eventually becoming one of the largest and most iconic retail chains in the world. Today visitors can view the grave of Rowland Macy at the historic Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York

Fun Facts

At the age of fifteen, Rowland worked on the whaleship Emily Morgan and had a red star tattooed on his forearm. That red star is still used as their logo.

His son, R. L. Macy Jr., struggled with alcoholism after the war and deserted one month after reenlisting in the army in 1870. His famous father excoriated him in his will, leaving the younger Macy just one shilling saying he was incapable of managing his own affairs. A stipend of $1000 a year was held in a trust outside of his control. Macy Jr passed away on August 14, 1878 at the age of 31 from heart disease a year and half after his father’s death. They are buried together in the family plot.

Today Macy’s department stores are struggling just like many other bricks-and-mortar stores. But unlike their competition, the real estate value of Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square, New York City, is estimated to be $3 .0 billion while their entire real estate portfolio is estimated to be worth in excess of $9.1 billion.

Cemetery Information:

Final Resting Place:

Woodlawn Cemetery

4199 Webster Avenue

Bronx, New York, 10470

USA

North America

Map:

Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York

Grave Location:

Macy Family Plot, Beech Plot, Section H34

Grave Location Description

As you enter the cemetery through the main gate, make your way to Central Avenue which runs through the middle of the cemetery. Turn left on Lake Avenue and left again on Beech Avenue. The large monument to the founder of Macy’s department stores can be seen from the road on the right.

Grave Location GPS

40.8909119574527, -73.86804794349

Photos:

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FAQ's

Rowland H. Macy was born on August 30, 1822.

Rowland H. Macy was born in Nantucket Island, Massachusetts.

Rowland H. Macy died on March 29, 1877.

Rowland H. Macy died in Paris, France.

Rowland H. Macy was 54.

The cause of death was Bright's disease (kidney failure).

Rowland H. Macy's grave is in Woodlawn Cemetery

Videos Featuring Rowland H. Macy:

Discover The Fascinating History Of Macy's

The Macy's Story

Macy’s Star Shone Bright for Over 150 Years. Now It’s Flickering

The Real Story of Rowland Hussey Macy's Rise to Fame

Watch YouTube video titled Almanac: The opening of Macy's

Rowland H. Macy