Last Train Home

Destination or point of departure?

Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia

Old Madison Cemetery, Madison, Georgia

Rose Hill Cemetery, Macon, Georgia

Arlington Memorial - Sandy Springs, Georgia

Arlington Memorial Park, founded in 1922, in what is now Sandy Springs, just north of Atlanta, is relatively new compared to most of the cemeteries in this website. It is a good example of how the Lawn or Memorial Park cemetery was developed in the early 20th century. One of Georgia's governors, Lester Maddox, is buried here.

 

 

 

Marietta National - Marietta, Georgia

Independence Day salute

Ellijay City Cemetery - Ellijay, Georgia

Located just a few blocks off the city square the site seems like it's miles away. The original 3-acre site, established in 1833, occupies the lowest level. Newer graves dot the hillside all the way to the top of a hill that commands a view of the entire town and the mountains beyond.

City Cemetery - Ellijay, Georgia

Hillcrest Cemetery - East Point, Georgia

The 17 acre Hillcrest Cemetery, located in East Point just south of Atlanta, ceased operating as a business sometime in the 1990's. According to the Hillcrest Cemetery Memorial Association website, the property is now owned by the elderly widow of a man who once ran the business. It depends entirely on volunteers and donations to the Association for upkeep. Graves date back to the 1880's.

Almand Cemetery - Conyers, Georgia

Almand Cemetery, on Old Covington Rd just outside Conyers, has been the burial ground for Almands since the 1830's. While Almands and Almonds are prominent throughout the couple acre site, there are many other surnames on the headstones as well. As is common in 19th century cemeteries all over Georgia and the south, many Civil War veterans and casualties are buried here too.

Oak Grove Community Church - Brevard, NC

The Oak Grove Community Church in Brevard, North Carolina, is half way encircled by an old cemetery that certainly predates the current congregation. The church building itself probably goes back a ways too.

NYT: Art and History Among the Dead

The New York Times published a great piece on cemeteries this week: Art and History Among the Dead. Starting off with a brief history of the 150 year-old, 400 acre Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, it goes on to describe how historic cemeteries across the country are trying to capitalize on the public's interest in their history, art and architecture. I hope this interest continues and helps to protect these important cultural landscapes.

HerStories: The Women of South-View Cemetery

On March 23rd the Atlanta Preservation Center is giving a guided walking tour of Historic South-View Cemetery in Atlanta. Interred at South-View, founded in 1886 by formerly enslaved African Americans, are many famous women from Atlanta, including Jennie C. Williams, grandmother of Martin Luther King Jr.

Sardis Church and Cemetery - Atlanta, Georgia

In the heart of the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta, soon to be on the National Register of Historic Places.