Bonaventure Cemetery: Where Time Stands Still in Savannah
Savannah, Georgia, is a city full of history and charm. One of its most interesting places is Bonaventure Cemetery. This old cemetery is not just a place where people are buried. It’s a place that tells stories about the city’s past.
In Savannah, visiting cemeteries is a big part of sightseeing. It might sound strange, but it’s actually quite fun and interesting! People love to explore these old burial grounds, especially at night. Many visitors join ghost tours to learn spooky stories about the city.
What’s the History of Bonaventure Cemetery?
Bonaventure Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in Savannah. It started as a plantation in the early 1800s. This means it was once a big farm. In 1868, it became a public cemetery where anyone could be buried. Since then, many important people from Savannah’s history have been laid to rest here.
Who Are Some Famous People Buried at Bonaventure?
Walking through Bonaventure Cemetery is like walking through Savannah’s history book. You can find graves of all sorts of people: Actors and singers, captains and generals, kind and respected citizens. These graves help us learn about the people who made Savannah what it is today.
One of the most beautiful things about Bonaventure Cemetery is the trees. They’re covered in something called Spanish Moss. This isn’t really moss – it’s a plant that hangs from tree branches like long, gray beards. It makes the cemetery look mysterious and a bit spooky.
Johnny Mercer (1909-1976): Johnny Mercer was one of Savannah’s most famous sons. He was born in the city in 1909 and died in 1976. Mercer wasn’t just any musician – he was a superstar of his time!
Here are some cool facts about Johnny Mercer: He wrote over 1,500 songs, he won four Academy Awards for his music in movies, he helped start a big record company called Capitol Records. Now, Johnny Mercer rests in Bonaventure Cemetery, under the shade of Georgia’s pine trees.
Conrad Aiken (1889-1973): Conrad Aiken was a writer who won a very important prize called the Pulitzer Prize. He wrote poems, novels, and book reviews. His grave is simple – it’s just a bench. People can sit there and think about life, death, and writing.
Josiah Tattnall III (1795-1871): Josiah Tattnall III was an important man in Georgia’s history. He did many different jobs: He was a U.S. Congressman, he was the Governor of Georgia, he was a naval officer in the Civil War. His grave has a big monument that reminds us of the complicated history of the American South.
Why Should You Visit Bonaventure Cemetery?
Visiting Bonaventure Cemetery is like stepping into a living history book. You can learn about Savannah’s past, see beautiful old trees with Spanish Moss, and maybe even feel a little spooked! It’s a unique way to understand the city and the people who lived there long ago. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just want to experience something different, Bonaventure Cemetery is a must-see place in Savannah.
Bonaventure’s Natural Beauty and Landscape
Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia, is more than just a place where people are buried. It’s like a beautiful park that tells stories about the past. Let’s explore what makes this cemetery so special and pretty.
Imagine a place where old trees meet colorful flowers, and a river flows nearby. That’s Bonaventure Cemetery! It’s so pretty that it feels like a peaceful garden.
The stars of Bonaventure are the live oak trees. These trees are very old and very big. They have long branches that reach out like arms. Hanging from these branches is something called Spanish moss. It’s not really moss, but a plant that looks like long, gray beards on the trees. This moss makes the cemetery look mysterious and a bit spooky.
Among the big trees, you can find lots of colorful flowers. There are azaleas and camellias, which bloom at different times of the year. These flowers bring bright colors to the cemetery, reminding visitors of life even in a place of death.
Right next to Bonaventure Cemetery is the Wilmington River. From some spots in the cemetery, you can see the river flowing by. This view makes the cemetery even more peaceful and beautiful.
An arboretum is like a tree museum. Bonaventure has so many different kinds of trees that people call it an arboretum. Some of these trees are hundreds of years old! They’re not just pretty to look at – they’re also homes for birds and other small animals.
Art and Symbolism in Bonaventure Cemetery
Bonaventure Cemetery isn’t just about nature. It’s also full of amazing art that tells us stories about the people buried there and what life was like long ago.
In Bonaventure, you’ll see lots of different kinds of art:
- Statues
- Fancy headstones
- Beautiful monuments
These aren’t just decorations. Each piece of art has a special meaning and tells us something about the person it remembers or what people believed in the past.
Many of the headstones and monuments in Bonaventure were made during a time called the Victorian era. This was about 150 years ago. People back then liked to make very fancy and detailed art for graves. These old monuments show us how much people cared about remembering their loved ones.
What Do the Symbols on the Graves Mean?
If you look closely at the art in Bonaventure, you’ll see lots of symbols. These symbols are like a secret language that tells us about the person who died. Here are some examples:
- Angels and Cherubs: These are like heavenly helpers. They might mean the person is being protected or guided to heaven.
- Draped Urns: An urn is like a fancy vase. When it has a cloth draped over it, it’s a symbol for death. It’s like the cloth is a curtain between life and death.
- Flowers and Plants: Different flowers mean different things. Roses mean love, lilies mean the person was pure or good, ivy means friendship that lasts forever.
Was There a Famous Statue in Bonaventure?
Yes! There used to be a statue called the Bird Girl in Bonaventure. It became very famous when it was on the cover of a book called “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” The statue showed a young girl holding two bowls that looked like bird baths.
The Bird Girl statue became so famous that too many people wanted to see it. To keep it safe, it was moved to a museum in Savannah called the Telfair Museum. Even though it’s not in the cemetery anymore, many people still think of the Bird Girl when they think of Bonaventure Cemetery.
How Can You Visit Bonaventure Cemetery?
Bonaventure Cemetery is a special place in Savannah, Georgia. Many people want to visit it because of its beauty and history. Let’s talk about how you can plan your visit and what you might see there.
Bonaventure Cemetery is open every day. You can visit from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the evening. It’s important to remember these times so you can see everything you want to see.
Guided Tours
Taking a tour can be a great way to learn more about Bonaventure Cemetery. Here’s why:Tour guides know a lot about the cemetery’s history. They can tell you stories about famous people buried there.
There are different kinds of tours:
- Walking tours: You walk around the cemetery with a guide.
- Trolley tours: You ride in a special bus called a trolley.
- Van tours: You ride in a van with other visitors.
Some tours are free, while others you have to pay for. You can find out about tours at the Savannah Visitor Center or by looking online.
Why Is Bonaventure Cemetery Famous?
Bonaventure Cemetery isn’t just famous in Savannah – it’s known all over the world! Here’s why:
The Book and Movie: A writer named John Berendt wrote a book called “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” This book talks a lot about Savannah and Bonaventure Cemetery. It became very popular, and many people read it. Later, a famous movie director named Clint Eastwood made the book into a movie. This made even more people interested in the cemetery.
The Bird Girl Statue: On the cover of the book, there was a picture of a statue called the Bird Girl. This statue used to be in Bonaventure Cemetery. It became so famous that they had to move it to a museum to keep it safe!
Art and Inspiration: Many artists, writers, and photographers love Bonaventure Cemetery. They use it in their work because it’s so beautiful and interesting. You might see paintings or photos of the cemetery, or read about it in other books.
How to Get to Bonaventure Cemetery
The cemetery is indeed situated about 7.5 km (4.7 miles) from Savannah’s historic city center, making it easily accessible for visitors. The journey to the cemetery takes approximately 15 minutes by car. To reach the cemetery, follow these directions:
- From the historic city center, visit Savannah’s historic district and then head east of Savannah on E Bay St toward Drayton St.
- Turn left onto E Broad St and continue for about 1.4 km (0.9 miles).
- Turn right onto President St, which will eventually become Islands Expy. Stay on this route for approximately 5.6 km (3.5 miles).
- Turn right onto 330 Bonaventure Road, and the visit Bonaventure Cemetery entrance will soon appear on your right.
There’s a parking lot outside the cemetery gates. But if the main gate is open, you can drive inside and park near the entrance. Remember to be respectful when you’re in the cemetery – it’s a special place for many people.
Conclusion
Bonaventure Cemetery is a captivating blend of history, art, and natural beauty, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. As a cherished part of Savannah’s cultural heritage, the cemetery transcends time, inviting us to reflect on our own place within the grand tapestry of life.
Whether you come to pay your respects, discover the stories of those who came before, or simply bask in the tranquility of nature, the cemetery is a testament to the enduring power of memory, love, and the human spirit.
