History is so ingrained in everyday areas of Atlanta and the metro area that we often overlook it. We walk right past the ground where pivotal moments took place - from the Civil War, to Civil Rights, and even those who lived and walked with Presidents of the United States of America.
Centuries upon centuries can be visited with a stroll through one of the area’s historic cemeteries. It’s not as macabre as it sounds. In fact, many cemeteries were designed around the garden cemetery concept that not only serves as a final resting place for the dead, but as a sanctuary, a place of beauty and gathering for the living.
In Atlanta
Located in Grant Park, Oakland Cemetery is a public park with sculpture gardens, botanical wonders and resting souls from all walks of life. Admission is free and maps can be downloaded for free from the website. Self-guided tour maps can be found in the Visitor's Center for $4, and guided tours are available for an additional fee. www.oaklandcemetery.com/
Souls with Presidential ties:
John M. Calhoun was a family member to the seventh Vice President of the United States, John C. Calhoun. While Mayor of Atlanta, John M. Calhoun surrendered Atlanta to Union Troops. One of his sons would later grow up to also become Mayor of Atlanta.
An educator and community leader, Selena Butler organized the first parent-teacher association for black families in America. She is now recognized as one of the founders of the national PTA. President Herbert Hoover appointed her to the White House Conference on Child Health and Protection.
Outside the Perimeter
Roswell, located about 30 minutes north of downtown, has a past speckled by stories with such names as Davy Crockett and President Theodore Roosevelt. Stop by the Visitor's Center for a self-guided tour booklet of the 640 acres in Roswell's Historic District. Among the many stops is Founders Cemetery. Here you will find the final resting place of Major James Stephens Bulloch, grandfather of President Theodore Roosevelt. You'll also have an opportunity to pass by the home of President Jimmy Carter's Aunt. http://visitroswellga.com/
If you want a more eerie experience, 2.5 hour walking ghost tours are available for an additional fee. http://roswellghosttour.com/
In small-town Georgia
Up I-75N, less than 1.5 hours from downtown Atlanta, sits a historic town situated at the convergence of the Etowah, Oostanaula and Coosa rivers. Because of its close proximity to the rivers, Rome's early days were particularly susceptible to flooding. When Myrtle Hill Cemetery was established in 1857, it was done so on a hill built up by six terraces. Members of Congress and the US Senate are buried here, as well as President Woodrow Wilson's wife, Ellen Axson Wilson.
A free tour is available by downloading the mobile app of Myrtle Hill Cemetery located in the Apple App Store and Google Play. http://romegeorgia.org/
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