These two historic cemeteries are rich in American history and a must for Civil War buffs. Even today they are as divided as the Union was when the first shots were fired at Ft. Sumter. On one side of 2nd Street is the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Overgrown and seemingly forgotten, Cedar Grove is where slaves and later "freedmen" were buried. In contrast, on the other side of 2nd Street is the lush Magnolia Cemetery donned with ancient oaks and shaded with beautiful magnolias, where confederate soldiers and politicians from all eras are buried. There are more than 500 Confederate soldiers and 7 generals buried among the 60 acres in Magnolia Cemetery.
Records show many famous black Augustans are buried in Cedar Grove, including the first black dentist, the first black person voted to legislature in Georgia, and so on. According to www.augusta.gov, the people there were listed as property until 1865. Men and women buried there after 1865 were recorded as "freedmen." This website is great for quick information, but is not a substitute for going to these places. Walking in the peaceful park is unexplainable. It is overgrown and grave markers saying, "Gone but not forgotten," seem to contradict themselves.
Across the street at Magnolia Cemetery, Confederate flags fly high above the graves and sweet-smelling Magnolias. Grave markers are branded with the Stars and Bars, and there are Mexican war veterans buried there, too. This cemetery is manicured but still has its fair share of broken head stones and robbed graves. There are not as many as Cedar Grove, but enough to creep you out a little!
The best way to get here is to drive. Take Reynolds or Broad Street (two main streets downtown) east to 2nd Street. Go south on 2nd Street until you hit Watkins Street. For Cedar Grove, turn left. For Manolia Cemetery, turn right, and then turn left on 3rd Street and look for the entrance on your left.
The best time for photographs here is early morning (7am to 10am). There is usually fog and sun beams that make for great photography.
Cedar Grove contact information:
706/821-1748
120 Watkins St.
Augusta, GA 30901
Magnolia Cemetery contact information:
706/823-6600
702 Third St.
Augusta, GA 30901
Both cemeteries open at 7am and close at 8pm.