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Origin and history

The Smith tomb, also known as Pyramid Smith, is a funerary monument located in the Crêt de Roc cemetery in Saint-Étienne, in the Loire department. Built during the 2nd quarter of the 19th century, this tomb is distinguished by its perfect pyramidal shape, made entirely of cast iron. It rests on a metal base placed on a slab of sandstone, surrounded by ironwork grids. A iron cross crowns its top, while metal nails and funerary inscriptions adorn its faces. This monument, inscribed in the Historical Monuments since February 17, 2011, bears witness to the influence of 19th century eclectic architectural styles, mixing Egyptian symbolism and local industrial know-how.

The funeral grant No.116 of the Crêt de Roc cemetery was acquired in 1827 by Johannès Smith Leclerc, whose name is associated with this tomb. The funeral plaque also mentions his son, who died in 1882, confirming the family use of this burial over several generations. The pyramid, surmounted by a pyramidion, illustrates the enthusiasm of the era for geometrical forms inspired by ancient Egypt, while reflecting the development of metallurgy in St. Stephen, a city then in full industrial growth. This monument, owned by the commune, remains a remarkable example of the 19th century funeral heritage in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

The Smith tomb is located precisely in islet 4, at the SA 116 concession, and its official address is recorded as 7 aisle of the Cemetery at Saint-Étienne. The available data highlight its heritage value, both for its architecture and for its anchoring in local history. The accuracy of its location is estimated to be "a priori satisfactory", and photographs licensed under Creative Commons document its current state. This monument, although closed to the visit, continues to attract interest for its originality and its link to the industrial history of the region.

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