It’s almost Halloween, y’all! We’re gonna soak up as much spooky season as we can before we have to wait another whole year for it!
We have a roundup for five of the most famous cemeteries in and around Atlanta to tickle your fancy right before everyone’s favorite most frightening holiday!
1. Oakland Cemetery, Grant Park
Address: 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
We talk about Oakland all the time in Atlanta! This is without a doubt our most famous cemetery, but what’s the history of Oakland Cemetery?
Oakland Cemetery was founded in 1850, originally called “Atlanta Cemetery,” and then eventually renamed in 1872 to acknowledge all of the magnolia and oak trees on the land.
The cemetery is about 48 acres, and full of the names of Atlanta streets, buildings and parks. Oakland is a perfect reflection of the rich, ever-evolving culture of our city. The cemetery has stunning architecture, gothic mausoleums, beautiful stained glass windows, and of course, amazing views of ATL.
Many recognizable people are buried in Oakland. You might recognize Pulitzer Prize-winning author Margaret Mitchell or Atlanta’s first African American mayor, Maynard Jackson, who are both laid to rest there. There are also six Georgia governors, prominent business owners, and other Atlanta names!
2. Marietta National Cemetery
Address: 500 Washington Ave NE, Marietta, GA 30060
Originally called “Marietta and Atlanta National Cemetery,” the Marietta National Cemetery was established in 1866, on 23 acres of land donated by an Atlanta merchant, Henry Cole, who had stayed loyal to the Union throughout the Civil War. The cemetery is now resting place to nearly 10,000 Union soldiers who died during Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign.
Marietta National Cemetery is also a beautiful place to see architecture, with Roman-inspired sculptures, columns and a granite memorial gate inscribed with “Here rest the remains of 10,312 officers and soldiers who died in defense of the Union 1861-1865.”
3. Utoy Cemetery, SW Atlanta
Address: 1465 Cahaba Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30311
Just 6 miles from the state capitol, Utoy Cemetery is Atlanta’s oldest surviving cemetery. It was established in 1828, and is much smaller than the other famous cemeteries on this list, being just 3.5 acres.
Utoy is nestled behind what used to be the Utoy Primitive Baptist Church, the oldest Baptist church in the county. Utoy Primitive Baptist Church served as a military field hospital for captured Union soldiers and wounded confederate soldiers during the 1864 Battle of Utoy Creek.
4. Westview Cemetery, Fulton County
Address: 1680 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
Westview is the largest civilian cemetery in the entire Southeast, right here in Atlanta. It spans a massive 582 acres. The cemetery was established in 1884, and part of the “Battle of Ezra Church” was fought on the land that is now the church.
Westview Abby, the famous mausoleum and chapel inside the cemetery, was built in 1943 and houses 11,000 entombments and space to hold cremated remains. Notably, the mausoleum has beautiful Romanesque stained glass windows and a lovely mural named “Faith, Hope and Charity.”
Lots of famous Atlantans are also buried here, including the founder of the Coca Cola Company, Asa Candler, and his son, Asa Candler Jr. (who also built the Westview Abby), baseball legend, Jim Bagby, Sr., and journalist and publisher of the Atlanta Journal Constitution Ralph E. McGill.
5. Myrtle Hill Cemetery, Rome, GA
Address: 215 Broad St Ste 103, Rome, GA 30161
Okay, okay. I know this one is not in Atlanta, but I think it’s notable for a lot of reasons.
Myrtle Hill Cemetery is in Rome, GA, and the massive cemetery carved into the hill is a registered Historical Landmark. The 32-acre cemetery was founded in 1857, and sits at the end of Broad Street, overlooking where the Etowah and Oostanala Rivers meet to form the Coosa River. There are six terraced levels of the cemetery, and getting to the top is quite a hike… but the view of the city is so worth it.
Myrtle Hill Cemetery was built on one of the seven massive hills that form Rome, GA to save it from being washed away in the frequent floods of the downtown area.
This gorgeous cemetery is also a popular filming location, much like the rest of Rome, GA!
These Atlanta cemeteries are the perfect place to visit, respectfully, of course, for the spooky season!