Colonial Park Cemetery | Savannah

Information

Landmark: Colonial Park Cemetery
City: Savannah
Country: USA Georgia
Continent: North America

Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah, USA Georgia, North America

Colonial Park Cemetery is a historic burial ground located in Savannah, Georgia, USA.

It served as Savannah's primary cemetery from 1750 until 1853.

Visual Characteristics

The cemetery covers approximately 6 acres. It features a grid layout with numerous marble and granite headstones, many of which are weathered and illegible due to age and environmental exposure. The grounds are characterized by mature oak trees draped with Spanish moss, providing significant canopy cover. Pathways are unpaved and consist of packed earth and gravel.

Location & Access Logistics

Colonial Park Cemetery is situated in the heart of Savannah's Historic District, at the intersection of Oglethorpe Avenue and Abercorn Street. It is approximately 0.5km South of the Savannah River waterfront. Parking is available in nearby paid parking garages, such as the Whitaker Street Parking Garage (0.3km West). Public transport options include the Chatham Area Transit (CAT) bus system, with several routes stopping within a 0.2km radius of the cemetery, including routes 14 and 25.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1750, Colonial Park Cemetery was Savannah's second municipal cemetery, replacing the earlier one at Christ Church. It was designed to accommodate the city's growing population. The site is situated on a relatively flat coastal plain, with sandy soil typical of the Georgia coast. The ecological environment supports a variety of plant life, including live oaks, magnolias, and palmettos, contributing to the cemetery's aged appearance.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe historical grave markers, some dating back to the 18th century. Self-guided walking tours are permitted. The site is open for exploration during daylight hours. Photography of the historical markers and landscape is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are not available within the cemetery grounds. Shade is provided by mature trees. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are located directly within the cemetery; however, numerous restaurants and cafes are situated within a 0.5km radius in the Historic District.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting for photography, early morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) is recommended, when the sun angle is lower. The best months for visiting are March through May and September through November, offering mild temperatures and lower humidity. There are no tide-dependent access requirements.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical event occurred in 1778 when British soldiers used the cemetery as a dueling ground. It is also rumored that some graves were disturbed during the Civil War for use as fortifications, though concrete evidence is scarce.