Downtown cemetery takes visitors back to when Georgia was still a British colony

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Most Americans spent the July 4th holiday celebrating at the beach, having a cookout, or watching fireworks. Some visitors were able to step back in time to learn about life in Savannah when it was still a colony.

In 1750, Georgia was a British colony. This cemetery was the resting place for the immigrants, sea merchants, oligarchs, and founders of Savannah. At that time, many people sought independence from King George, but others wanted to remain loyal to the crown. This led to intense fighting between family, friends, and neighbors… some even fought to the death. They’re buried in the duelists’ grave.

Among the headstones and antiquated mausoleums, you’ll find several of our founders, like the Habershams and Button Gwinnett. There’s also a section that delegated to people who died in the yellow fever pandemic of 1820, where 700 Savannians lost their lives, including the city’s only two doctors. We also find William Davies, born here on July 8, 1776, making him among the very citizens first born in America.

The cemetery stopped taking internments in 1853 and became a park in 1896. Fifteen years later, the Daughters of the American Revolution took it upon themselves to organize and beautify the historic graveyard. They erected an archway, planted trees, and unearthed hundreds of headstones. Thanks to their research and work in preservation, we can step back in time to get a sense of what life was like for those living through the birth of a nation. The Colonial Park Cemetery is located at Oglethorpe Avenue and Abercorn Street. It’s open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The park is free and open to the public