Gilbert Memorial Cemetery - Atlanta, Georgia

Perhaps more people drive by this cemetery than any other in Atlanta, as it sits encircled by I-75 and the entrance and exit ramps for Cleveland Avenue. The Georgia DOT erected 53 headstones during construction of the interstate in the early 1980's. The original one-acre graveyard is believed to have held as many as 1000 gravesites of African-Americans dating back to 1861. This graveyard was destroyed in the 50's and rediscovered during construction. The current site is a memorial to that cemetery.

Gilbert Memorial Cemetery

Gilbert Memorial Cemetery

Lafayette Cemetery No. 2 - New Orleans

There are no new plots in New Orleans' oldest cemeteries, so the only way to get in is to buy one from another family. Unlike its older sibling, No. 1, Lafayette No. 2 is in terrible shape, but apparently there is still a secondary market in gravesites even here.

Interestingly, these above ground crypts can be the repository for dozens of burials over the years. Once the remains decay, and they do in short order in the New Orleans heat, they are simply pushed to the back of the crypt and room is made for a new body.

Greenwood Cemetery - Atlanta, Georgia

Greenwood, opened in 1904, is designed in the Lawn style, with long vistas in all directions. Greenwood has a large Jewish section, which visible in the background of these shots.

Decatur Cemetery - Decatur, Georgia

One of the oldest cemeteries in the Atlanta area, and probably the oldest in continuous operation, Decatur is situated on a hilltop not far from the downtown.



Old Decatur Cemetery

The "Old Decatur Cemetary" is just a part of the overall grounds. With its park like setting the cemetery is popular with walkers at all times of the day.

Old Decatur Cemetery



Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta Georgia

No matter how many times I visit Oakland Cemetery I always find something new. One of Atlanta's treasures.

At this time of year it's possible to get in some night shots before the gates are closed.

Alta Vista - Gainesville Georgia

The "high view" from Alta Vista always offers some interesting photo opps.

Alta Vista

Weather Channel's List of Must-See Historic Cemeteries

Just in time for Halloween, the Weather Channel published their list of 15 of the most historic cemeteries in the US. I'd say they are pretty much spot on here. Oakland in Atlanta, Mt Auburn in Boston, St. Louis in New Orleans, Bonaventure in Savannah, Green-Wood in Brooklyn, and others.  I will have to add Fort Rosencrans National Cemetery in San Diego to my own list for a future visit..
15 Must-See Historic Cemeteries Across the U.S.

Winterville Cemetery - Winterville Georgia

Winterville is a small town just east of Athens. The Winterville Cemetery sits just outside town, surrounded by woods and hay fields.

Queen of Heaven

Architecutural photographer John Faier spent seven years photographing large community mausoleums in the Chicago area that were built in the 50's and 60's. Wired magazine recently ran a story about his project titled Hotels for the Dead: Mausoleums Reveal Spectral Light and Kitsch Decor. His own website includes many of the photos as well: Queen of Heaven. His project is much more focused than mine here. This focus helps make it even clearer how the art, architecture and design of our burying spaces reflect the broader culture of their times.

Madison Cemeteries - Madison, Georgia

At least four cemeteries are encompassed in the Madison Cemeteries property. The oldest is Old Cemetery, where the earliest known burial is from 1811. Additional parcels were added over the years: Westview in 1880, Fairview in 1904, and Madison Memorial in 1958. You can see the progression of cemetery architecture and design styles over the years in these different areas. There are also two Confederate re-interment sites on each side of the railroad tracks that bisect the property.

Confederate Section

Unknowns

Old Cemetery