At Findlay Monument, we’ve been in the business of helping families honor their loved ones for generations. And along the way, we’ve noticed something interesting: not everyone uses the same word when they’re talking about memorials. Some people say headstone, others say tombstone, and others prefer monument.
So, are these all the same thing? Or do they mean something different? Let’s dig in (pun intended, we couldn’t resist) and uncover some interesting facts!
Headstone
Traditionally, a headstone referred to the stone marker placed at the head of a grave. Pretty straightforward, right? Over time, “headstone” became one of the most common words used for any upright memorial. Today, when people say headstone, they usually mean any grave marker—big or small.
Fun fact: The earliest headstones weren’t stone at all! In many cultures, they were made of wood, which of course didn’t last very long. Stone became the material of choice because of its strength and permanence.
Tombstone
This one has a little more mystery. The word tombstone originally meant the lid of a stone coffin (a tomb). Over the years, the meaning shifted to include any stone marking a burial place. While it’s a bit less commonly used today, thanks to Halloween movies and old Westerns, “tombstone” is still widely recognized.
Fun fact: The famous Arizona town Tombstone got its name because the founder, Ed Schieffelin, was told he’d “find nothing in those hills but his own tombstone.” Spoiler alert: he found silver instead.
Monument
A monument is a little broader in meaning. It comes from the Latin monere, meaning “to remind.” A monument can be any structure that helps us remember someone or something important—from the Lincoln Memorial to your great-grandmother’s grave marker. In the memorial industry, “monument” often refers to larger, more elaborate designs, but it can mean just about any commemorative marker.
Fun fact: Monuments aren’t just for people—think of the Washington Monument, the Statue of Liberty, or even Stonehenge!
So… What’s the Difference?
• Headstone = usually the upright stone at the head of a grave.
• Tombstone = an older word, once referring to stone coffins, now used interchangeably with headstone.
• Monument = the broader term that covers all memorials, from simple to grand.
At the end of the day, whether you say headstone, tombstone, or monument, we know what you mean—and we’re here to help you create one that’s just right for your loved one.
Fun takeaway: Next time someone asks, “Is it a headstone or a tombstone?” you can smile and say, “Actually, both are right—but technically, it’s a monument!”