Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah

Located on the beautiful Wilmington Riverside in Savannah, Georgia sits Bonaventure Cemetery. This resting ground has been a cemetery since 1907 and stands as a popular tourist destination to this day. It is over 100 acres long and contains old tree-lined roadways and beautiful sculpture and architecture. It also happens to be one of the most popular cemeteries to visit due to the many notable people who have been buried here.

History

The grounds of Bonaventure Cemetery were originally a plantation owned by John Mullryne. It wasn’t until 1868 that the cemetery was formed, and then in 1907 the land was purchased by the city of Savannah and renamed the Bonaventure cemetery. 

A man by the name of Josiah Tattnall had owned the land for a period of time in the late 1700s. He was a descendant of the original Mullryne family. Josiah had a few children with Harriet Fenwick, the couple were both buried on the land after they passed. Josiah had been a prominent Georgia politician for most of his life, upholding positions as legislator, governor and senator. 

In addition to becoming the burial grounds of influential leaders such as Josiah, the space has been referred to as romantic and spiritual. The grounds are mossy and lined with oak trees. Though it has been said to be overwhelming and that a visit brings people to tears, it is also a lovely experience. 

Notable Burial Sites

Those considering taking a trip to Bonaventure Cemetery should keep in mind the notable people who are buried there, as well as other impactful sites. One of the most-visited graves in the cemetery is that of Johnny Mercer. He was once a famous American song-writer who is now resting near the Bull River.

Another worth mentioning is that of Conrad Aiken. For those who don’t know, Aiken was a Pulitzer-Prize-winning poet, as well as a writer and novelist. He was largely influenced by early psychoanalytic theory after facing major trauma in his childhood. 

Little Gracie Watkins is another popular name throughout the area. She passed from pneumonia at the early age of six years old and has a true-to-live sculpture on her grave to commemorate her. Her grave is one of the most-visited in the world due to its spooky reputation. There are legends that say that her ghost wanders through Johnson Square, and that her statue cries tears of blood when any gifts are removed from her grave.

In addition to these famous names to look for, there is an abundance of beautiful sculptures and grave markers throughout the cemetery. There are so many detailed pieces that Bonaventure Cemetery might even be referred to as a sculpture garden. Many of the sculptures are of a religious nature and contain crosses. Additionally, many of the graves of children contain stonework of lambs. 

Bringing a camera along during a visit to this cemetery is a must to have a record of the historical landmarks and gorgeous artwork. 

“Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”

For those who haven’t enjoyed this excellent read, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” is a seductive murder-mystery that takes place in Savannah. The cover of the novel features the mysterious Bird Girl Statue that was originally located in the Bonaventure Cemetery. It has since been relocated to the Telfair Academy to be part of an art exhibition. Although the statue no longer stands within the alluring cemetery, visitors can still stroll beneath moss canopies and imagine themselves through the eyes of the reader. 

Tours

Bonaventure Cemetery is huge and old, meaning that it is not difficult to get lost there. Luckily, there are free guided tours for visitors that are available on the second weekend of every month. The tours last for about one hour. Those who cannot make a scheduled guided tour can download the mobile app for Bonaventure Cemetery Tours. Using the app, visitors can guide themselves through their own personal tour. 

Furthermore, other resources are available. Tourists can pick up a guide from the Bonaventure Historical Center Visitors Center. They also have the option of purchasing a detailed map if they’d rather use one of those instead of or in addition to the app. Private tours are an option for nonprofit groups and schools who have groups of at least ten people. For a private tour it is necessary to contact local tour companies or find more resources within the app.

Summary

Cemeteries aren’t usually at the top of the list for vacations, especially if they don’t feature large war memorials or commemorate significant historical events. Nevertheless, Bonaventure Cemetery holds years of history within its romantic southern charm. The graves of influential people lie here besides others who are remembered with old, gorgeous stonework. A walk through this cemetery will not only bless visitors with thoughtfulness and spirituality, but it was also bring the peacefulness of a walk through a magical Georgia garden.