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    Colonial Park Cemetery

    4.4 (73 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Robert S.

    This expansive field, not far from downtown Savannah is a peaceful retreat from the busy streets and businesses around. The Colonial Park Cemetery has a long history, almost as old as Savannah herself. The first burial occurred at the site of Colonial Park in 1750. For almost 100 years many of the burials which took place in Savannah took place in Colonial Park Cemetery. Many prominent Savannahians were buried in Colonial Park Cemetery. The last burial in Colonial Park took place around 1850. After this time Laurel Grove Cemetery was used as the main Cemetery in Savannah. We strolled around reading about the history of the city. Many of the stones were so old that the engravings could not be read anymore...and there were many stones that referred to Providence or Rhode Island natives or sons. Interesting.

    Cemetary
    Scott F.

    Had the opportunity to visit Colonial Park Cemetary and a lot of history in this cemetary. It is spaced out well, good walking paths. It is very well maintained. Take your time and embrace the history that is here.

    Colonial Park Cemetery on Black Friday, November 24, 2023.
    Daniel B.

    My wife took us to Colonial Park Cemetery because she thinks it's a cool historical site in Savannah. I agree with her. Today, this cemetery is more like a park. It's located close to the center of the city's Historic District. Specifically, it's in the North Historic District. The cemetery is six acres and contains about 9,000-10,000 graves (not that many headstones, though). Supposedly, some of the graves extend beyond the fences and lie beneath the roads and sidewalks. Maybe that's made up for ghost stories. Colonial Cemetery opened in 1750. Its final interment or burial was in 1853. The cemetery ran out of space and subsequent interments were at Laurel Grove. Today, Laurel Grove Cemetery totals 157 acres between Laurel Grove North (67 acres) and Laurel Grove South (90 acres). Those two, Colonial, Bonaventure, Evergreen, and Greenwich make up Savannah's six municipal cemeteries. Most of those buried at Colonial were born in the 1700s. I came across a sign that said, "In this cemetery many victims of the Great Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1820 were buried. Nearly 700 Savannahians died that year, including two local physicians who lost their lives caring for the stricken." There are several informational signs around the park like this. There's a special entrance at the corner of Abercorn St and E Oglethorpe Ave. The entrance is made of stone and has an eagle sculpture on top. One of the plaques reads, "In memory of Patriots of War American Revolution 1775-1783 resting in Colonial Cemetery." Just inside this was a sign for "Colonial Park." It gave a brief history along with a list of the "distinguished dead." The sign said the cemetery "became a city park in 1896." The remains of Revolutionary War Major-General Nathanael Greene (1742-1786) were originally buried here. After the Civil War, they were moved under an obelisk memorializing him at Johnson Square. Button Gwinnett (1735-1777) is buried here. He was one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence and one of three signers from Georgia. His signature is the first one on the left. Gwinnett County is named after him. The park/cemetery is nice to look at with all its different trees -- bald cypress, cedar, elm, ginkgo, live oak, Magnolia, and palmetto. Overall, I think this is a neat place worth visiting. It's good for a stroll.

    John B.

    This is not the famous cemetery that people look for in Savannah (that's Bonaventure). Nonetheless, it is a spot to look for while visiting the city's downtown. It has some interesting historical plaques and there is plenty of history to plaque about. There are a few benches, but it's mostly a place that one strolls through. It's also a good area to look for free parking that's walkable to the main attractions of the city.

    Ben A.

    My wife was pretty upset when we realized in New Orleans, all too late, that the "cemetery tours" were closed for the day. She had been looking forward to them for weeks before our cross-country road trip, but we just didn't plan that part of the journey well enough. Aside: I don't ever need to go back to New Orleans, either. There, I said it. A couple of weeks later on our trip, we found ourselves in Savannah, GA... a city we immediately fell in love with. As luck would have it, we parked the truck right next to the Colonial Park Cemetery, and, finding the gates open, we gathered our reverence and went inside the boundary. Immediately, we were intrigued by the age of the headstones, and quickly realized that several founding fathers of our nation were buried here, including one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. A quick check of the internet on the phones revealed more information about this place. The cemetery served the community from 1750 to 1853, the latter date being the last time anyone was interred here. More than 700 Savannah residents who succumbed to yellow fever in the early 1800s are interred here too, in a mass grave. I scolded someone's kid who was running around in there like he was at the park when he ran into a 250 year old gravestone. Told him to go stand by his mom before one of the ghosts that lives here grabs him and pulls him into the ground. His mom gave me the stink eye later during our visit, but that kid didn't step on another grave and didn't leave his mom's side the rest of the time I saw him there. Once a principal... always a.... anyway.... During our visit, the skies opened up with rain, thunder, and lightning, adding to the solemn effect of our visit. We took a few photos and left a few prayers before leaving, with the shared feeling that there was a lot more history than what we learned in our short visit. I'm not sure what we missed in New Orleans, but this was definitely a place I'm glad we got to see in Savannah.

    David G.

    I love cemeteries.... the vibe and ambiance are out of this world ( just had to say that). Seriously there is so much history here it is worth a visit.

    Ariel W.

    Founded in 1750, this is one of Savannah's oldest cemeteries containing the city's earliest settlers. When the cemetery was created for the Christ Church Parish, this area was the British Province of Georgia. Seven hundred victims of Yellow fever were laid to rest in a mass grave in 1820. It is rumored the real number was 666 but they rounded up so not to have record the number of the beast. From 1740 until 1877 the cemetery served as the city's dueling grounds making it more convenient to bury the loser since they didn't need to be transported anywhere. By 1789, the cemetery had expanded three times from it's original size. On December 24 of 1864, General Sherman famously presented the city of Savannah to President Lincoln as a Christmas present as sixty thousand Union soldiers camped out in Colonial Park Cemetery. During the cold winter some of the soldiers utilized tombs for shelter. Savannah was spared the destruction of Atlanta but Union soldiers are said to have left their mark on the city in another way, by altering the gravestones in Colonial Cemetery. On the west wall of the cemetery is a row of gravestones the soldiers were said to have dug up. Other grave markers had their dates altered. While tour guides like to blame Sherman's army for the disarray, many graves were moved to make room for Yellow Fever victims and the graveyard has been a target for vandals for centuries. In 1896 the cemetery became a park, forty-three years after the last burial. The cemetery was closed in 1853, eight years before the start of the Civil War. That is why there aren't any Confederate soldiers buried here. For one hundred and three years this was Savannah's primary cemetery. Notable burials in this cemetery include Button Gwinnett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Samuel Elbert, a Revolutionary War soldier and governor of Georgia, Lachlan Mcintosh, Major General in the Continental Army, and John Habersham, member of Continental Congress. There are over nine thousand graves in the cemetery. During the Ghost City Dead of Night Tour I learned that the graves spill out from under the gates of the cemetery but you can't see them. That doesn't shock me as Florida is built all over people's graves. I also learned that the cemetery used to be open 24 hours until a sacrifice involving a goat and chicken took place. If you want to walk around inside the gates it must be between 8 and 5 November through March and 8 to 8 March through November. There are a number of interesting historical markers throughout the cemetery. The great history found here made Colonial Park Cemetery high on my list of places to visit on my last trip to Savannah.

    06.29.20 one of Savannah's oldest and most haunted cemeteries
    May A.

    One of Savannah's oldest and most haunted cemeteries! What amazing history this Cemetery has. The Cemetery is open to the public from 8:00a to 8:00p and you don't need a tour guide to sign you in unlike the St Louis Cemetery No.1 in New Orleans. The most famous person to be buried in Colonial Park Cemetery is Button Gwinnett. Button Gwinnett was most well known for being one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. One of the most famous duels was between Button Gwinnett and Lachlan McIntosh. Mr. Gwinnett met his end after a duel with Lachlan McIntosh who is also buried here. The Cemetery seemed small for the many people that were buried at Colonial Park but there was one section where nearly 700 victims of the Great Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1820 were laid to rest here. According to our tour guide (from our haunted walking tour) the actual number was 666 but it didn't seem appropriate to print that number. We didn't see this the morning we first came here so we had to go back and see. Many more duels would take place in and around the area including the burial site of the Duellist's Grave. The number of angry, dueling men that lost their lives on the grounds is unknown. It wouldn't surprise me if these tortured souls remained at the very location that their lives sadly ended. Haunted! The cemetery seemed a bit neglected and many structures have deteriorated but it was a memorable experience to be able to stroll through the grounds. The Colonial Park Cemetery is older than our country itself. It was established in 1750 during the British colonization of the land so it gave us a first-hand glimpse into its interesting history. Very cool. Review #1831

    Emily A.

    There are some reviews I perused after visiting the cemetery that I found very interesting with the history of it. We had a foodie tour that mentioned the 666 number of people that lost their lives and how they rounded up... this cemetery is just kitty corner to our airBNB so we walked across to stroll through. I think it's beautiful and just the history of it makes it 5 stars. I'm not into all the haunted things it would be cool if I was just not sure I believe in all that, regardless I pay tribute and respect to the lives buried here as it says they are patriots of the Revolutionary War. There are many walking paths that lead you to different graves. It isn't flower blooming season I guess but it's still lovely grounds and there were people there working on it. I love the weeping willow looking tree. If you like history, I'd say of course go here if you're in the area. Later on today we were in another part of town and a group of hipster kids walked by me and one of them was overhead saying "I mean, I've never really chilled in a cemetery before", and I realize I guess that's what I did , and it was nice. Go for it kid. #overheardinSavannah

    Jayme B.

    This is a beautiful cemetery with a ton of history. If you walk around, you will see gravestones from the 1800s. There are history markers around the cemetery so you can read about notable events that happened there and also some notable people who are buried here. I believe it's in the downtown vicinity, so if you walk by it, it definitely worth checking out.

    The Duelist Grave
    Michelle T.

    This is a very interesting place to visit. Supposedly one of the most haunted places in a broadly haunted area. So much history-to be felt here. A little research before your visit (or a guide ) will add information and interest to your foot tour . This is the oldest cemetery in an old market -port city .Thoughtful Gentleman in olden days would "do -the-duel "here to prevent any fuss as far as transportation for the loser Also many founding fathers and people of historical significance are buried here . But also countless nameless persons of every diverse background. The Colonial Cemetery is first and foremost the original city graveyard in a colonial port city . Also the "mass graves" used at the height of the 1918 flu epidemic are located here . All-in-all , claims that the cemetery is probably "haunted " seem likely? You definitely can feel a creepy vibe , I. My Opinion. Unfortunate--- but worth noting is : This cemetery is closed and locked up at night , all the "GHOST TOURS " stop here BUT , outside the walls ? If you want to actually"visit "the infamous haunted graveyard,,, you have to do it during daylight hours .

    Wendy B.

    Who doesn't like a dose of dead people. The cemetery has some pretty cool Tombstones, grave markers, and memorial's. The cemetery was only being used from 1700 to 1800 so it's a nice walk down some of history. If you're into the 17 and 1800s it's definitely worth a stop to stroll around. One of the grave markers the woman had five children who all died within two years. Strolling through an old cemetery Isn't something that's for everyone but if you like old cemeteries then you get where I'm coming from and this is definitely worth a visit

    Mike V.

    This was a cool old cemetery that we saw as we were on a walking food tour on the east side of Savannah. It reminded me a little of the cemeteries in New oleans

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    If you like cemeteries this one has a lot of Savannah history in a lovely setting. That's all I have to say about it.

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    Historical cemetery in Savannah, Georgia. Please be respectful when visiting. Well maintained grounds.

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    This was a cool old cemetery that we saw as we were on a walking food tour on the east side of Savannah.

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    Bonaventure Cemetery - Resting woman

    Bonaventure Cemetery

    (362 reviews)

    I love it. Beautiful…read more I live in a city with a huge, gorgeous, historically relevant cemetery/green space with notable dead folks from history. And it is one of my favorite places. So Bonaventure was always on my list to visit, with or without pop culture references (Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil) or status as a tourist stop. A little bit outside of the city, but not terribly difficult to get to, there is a small parking lot for visitors, with public toilets and maps available. They have tour options, but you can also just walk yourself around. The big gravesite draws (Johnny Mercer, Conrad Aiken) are well marked and fairly easy to find on your own. The place is beautiful and very well maintained. Large cemeteries were often meant as strolling green spaces, meant to be visited and used. But do be aware and conscientious if there appears to be a service going on. I could have spent ages and ages walking every path and taking in the loveliness. Highly recommend a visit here, with enough time to wander and sit and see.

    I was only in Savannah for about 10 hours and someone working at Wormsloe told me I had to stop…read morehere. I loved that you have the option to drive or walk. I didn't spot any parking right away so I decided to drive through, which turned out to be a great way to see more in a short amount of time. I still got out of my car to walk around a bit when I wanted to see something up close. The area is gorgeous, plenty of shade from the beautiful trees. I only stayed for 20 minutes but it was a perfect and quick way to explore the cemetery. It's also free, so nothing better than that!

    Adams Funeral Services - My brother carrying his own father's coffin, along with my two cousins

    Adams Funeral Services

    (5 reviews)

    This funeral home is terrible. They were hired to service my father's funeral on 1/12/2023. The…read moreonly good thing I can say about them is that they did a good job on my father's body. Everything else was unacceptable. First, after the viewing, they rushed us into our cars to go to the graveside service. Only, we didn't immediately leave. We all waited in our cars for about 10 minutes until two men came out and asked "Where are the pallbearers?!" Ummm...you mean my brother and my partner? No one informed us that we were expected to bring our own pallbearers. We assumed that the $11,000 we were charged for the funeral that would include pallbearers. My brother, partner, and two cousins jumped up and volunteered themselves to help move my father's coffin into the hearse. Then the nightmare continues. They instructed us to follow them and then proceeded to lead us to THREE different random cemeteries before finally arriving at the correct cemetery where my father was to be buried. How do you not know which cemetery your client is to be buried at, leading a grieving family on an impromptu (and unwelcome) tour of cemeteries all over Savannah?! We finally arrived at the (correct) cemetery and noticed that my father's to be grave was at least 200 feet from where we had just parked. One of the two employees remarked "Well if I had known it was this far, I would have brought the rolling cart. Oh well." The "pall bearers" (my brother, carrying his own father's coffin, my partner, and my two cousins) struggled to carry the 250 lbs+ coffin to the grave. The service, thankfully, went without any additional problems. But the ordeal continued the next day when we realized that we had never received our father's death certificate. We called the nursing home that he passed away at and they stated that Adam's Funeral never sent them the certificate to be signed by their physician. We then had our legal representative call Adam's, and they curtly said that they would only speak to the person who paid for the funeral. So my brother and I went to the funeral home ourselves (along with our legal representative). They immediately claimed that they had just faxed the death certificate to the nursing home (of course). I wouldn't recommend anyone trust this funeral in handing one of the most stressful and traumatic experiences of their lives. Stay away.

    Extremely nice people running this funeral home. They were a blessing in taking care of my mothers…read morememorial and cremation which was very last minute notice. Thank you so much for helping to put together a beautiful service for my mother.

    Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors

    Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors

    (12 reviews)

    My son was cremated over 6 weeks ago. I was told on several occasions that his ashes have been…read moreshipped over a week ago. They told his mother they sent them Friday and would provide a tracking number. They have not. There was a blatant mistake in his death certificate. They were supposed to send us an unofficial corrected death certificate. They haven't. I've left messages for Philip and Dusty all last week and their manager Pam this morning. No one has yet to call me back. They are incompetent and completely unprofessional by not returning one phone call. I would never recommend them to anyone. We still have not received his ashes. They were in constant contact when they wanted payment. However after you pay them they will not give you the common courtesy of returning phone calls. Totally unprofessional. Before they file the certificates they should send people drafts to approve or something. I'm beginning to wonder if they misplaced or lost his ashes. We need the death certificate for a charity event. So no I wouldn't recommend them.

    My mother passed away 37 days ago and I have traveled 5 hours round trip TWICE on the information…read morethat her death certificate was ready for pick- up. I have paid them in full WEEKS ago and I still have no death certificate. I have been told that "post it" notes would be given to Tiffany who is the person in charge of handling these and that she would overnight them to me immediately. That was several days before Christmas. It's now the 2nd of January and I finally got in touch with Tiffany who had no idea what I was talking about but "will look into it." Not a single phone call made to me, ever, explaining the delay or concern. I continue to call, continue to drive to their facility, and still nothing. This is outrageous. No one needs this additional stress during such a challenging and emotional time. Nothing can be accomplished without this very necessary document, which has prevented my family from finalization and suspended us in grief. I would absolutely NOT recommend.

    Colonial Park Cemetery - funeralservices - Updated May 2026

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