Colonial Park Cemetery Tour (God's Acre)

Step into the Shadows of History with the Colonial Park Cemetery Tour

Explore Savannah’s rich and haunting past with the Colonial Park Cemetery tour, where expert guides unveil the fascinating history, legends, and mysteries hidden within this iconic burial ground. As one of the city's oldest cemeteries, Colonial Park serves as the final resting place for Revolutionary War soldiers, influential citizens, and victims of Savannah’s most notorious tragedies. Through captivating storytelling, you’ll uncover tales of duels, epidemics, and forgotten secrets that have shaped the city’s history. This tour offers a unique blend of history, mystery, and intrigue, making it a must-do for history buffs and ghost story enthusiasts alike.

A Cemetery Steeped in History and Legend

Established in 1750, Colonial Park Cemetery is more than just a graveyard; it is a historic landmark that holds the stories of Savannah’s trials, triumphs, and tragedies. The cemetery is the final resting place of many who played pivotal roles in shaping the city and the nation, from war heroes and political figures to the everyday citizens whose lives were marked by Savannah’s ever-changing landscape.

You’ll hear the fascinating tale of Button Gwinnett, one of Georgia’s three signers of the Declaration of Independence, whose life was tragically cut short in a fatal duel. Colonial Park also holds the grave of Archibald Bulloch, Georgia’s first governor, whose mysterious death still sparks speculation. You’ll walk the very ground where Savannah’s most infamous duels were fought, learning about the honor-bound codes that led men to face death at sunrise over matters of pride and vengeance.

Savannah’s Eerie Past Comes to Life

Beyond the stories of war and politics, Colonial Park is also a place of mystery and the supernatural. Savannah’s infamous yellow fever epidemics left thousands dead, many of whom were buried in mass graves within the cemetery. Their untimely deaths and the sheer volume of lives lost have led to countless ghostly sightings and eerie tales. Some visitors have even reported strange sensations while walking through certain areas of the cemetery.

Adding to the intrigue, the cemetery was desecrated by Union troops during the Civil War, with gravestones being altered, defaced, or even used for target practice. As you explore, you’ll notice some of these altered headstones—bizarrely listing lifespans of over 400 years or impossible dates—all remnants of the war’s impact on Savannah’s history.

A Walk Among Savannah’s Most Notable Figures

This immersive tour also takes you through the lives and legacies of other notable figures buried in Colonial Park. You’ll hear about Nathanael Greene, the Revolutionary War hero personally commended by George Washington, and James Habersham, an influential colonial leader whose contributions helped shape Georgia’s early government.

The cemetery also holds a deep connection to Theodore Roosevelt, whose great-great-grandfather, Daniel Stewart, is buried here. A celebrated military figure in his own right, Stewart’s legacy continues through Savannah’s historical narratives.

Beyond the well-known figures, the tour delves into the stories of the Gullah Geechee people, whose unique culture and traditions remain an integral part of Savannah’s identity. The cemetery holds ritual burial grounds that whisper of ancestral customs, spiritual beliefs, and a deeply rooted history that transcends generations.

Uncover the Secrets of Savannah’s Past

The Colonial Park Cemetery tour is not just about history—it’s about stepping back in time and uncovering the secrets buried beneath Savannah’s cobblestone streets. Our expert guides will take you through the cemetery’s most intriguing spots, sharing chilling ghost stories, little-known facts, and surprising connections to historical events that have shaped the city.

Tour Highlights Include:

• Savannah’s oldest extant cemetery (est. 1750) and its chilling past

• The origin of “Savannah, the city built on top of its own dead”

• Graves of two Declaration of Independence signers

• The final resting place of Teddy Roosevelt’s great-great-grandfather

• The burial site of Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene

• The impact of British and Union Army encampments in the cemetery

• Mass yellow fever graves and their ghostly lore

• The historic dueling grounds, where Savannah’s elite fought for honor

• Insights into Gullah Geechee burial rituals and cultural influence

• Discussions on the Old City Jail and poet Conrad Aiken’s eerie connections to Savannah

A Must-Do Experience for History and Mystery Lovers

Whether you’re a dedicated historian, a lover of folklore, or simply seeking a deeper connection to Savannah’s past, the Colonial Park Cemetery tour offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the city’s history. As you walk among the gravestones, listen closely—you might just hear the echoes of Savannah’s past whispering through the moss-draped trees.

Join us and experience Colonial Park Cemetery like never before, where history meets legend, and the past refuses to rest.

Whether you’re a history lover or intrigued by Savannah’s supernatural side, this tour offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the city’s past.

Photography by Alissa Lee Nicholson, visit www.ForestCityoftheSouth.com to learn more.