Footstones
A footstone is a monument typically made of granite that is placed at the foot of the grave. Once used almost exclusively in combination with a headstone, footstones are an inexpensive way to mark a grave temporarily until the headstone can be placed. Footstones are typically inscribed with the name, date of birth, and date of death of the person in the grave that it marks. It may also be embellished with carving, photographs, epitaphs, or engraved verses.
A standard flat footstone size is approximately two feet wide, which can accommodate about 80 characters of text engraved on the stone. Most people engrave just initials or small inscriptions on footstones that are paired with headstones so as not to distract from the headstone. Footstones are also commonly used with a headstone as a place to show nicknames and family relationships.
Footstones come in many sizes, shapes, designs and colors. Pricing depends on the size, shape, design, finish and color of the memorial.
Since footstones are small stones, you should be aware that they are often covered by grass and soil and are difficult to maintain.
Family burial plots often have one large, upright headstone for the entire family, with individuals marked by separate footstones engraved with the individual’s identifying information.
Military Gravesite Markers and Footstones
When a veteran of the armed forces dies, family members may apply for a veteran’s grave marker from the U.S. government. The veteran’s marker is typically a flat marker that features the veteran’s name, dates, and military service information. Some families elect to use this gravemarker as the footstone, perhaps when the veteran is included in a family burial. Others use the veteran’s gravestone as the headstone marker and add the deceased’s initials and a favorite verse, short quote, or prayer on a footstone.