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Confined within its boundaries and enclosed within its vaults, crypts and plots are a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, politicians, plantation proprietors, publishers, soldiers and a songwriter.
Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the most beautiful, historical sites in Savannah, GA. Visited by many tourists every year, Bonaventure was made ever more popular by John Berendt's book and the subsequent movie entitled, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”
Bonaventure is the resting ground of fallen soldiers as well as many others, including Pulitzer Prize winning poet, Conrad Aikin and song writer, Johnny Mercer who wrote many timeless classics including “Moon River”, “Jeepers Creepers” and “Fools Rush In”.
A statue made famous by the people who have visited the cemetery, is of a small girl. Gracie Watson is a girl who is buried in the cemetery. This life size statue is a supposed depiction of her. Many people who have visited the cemetery will leave presents or trinkets in her lap. Legend has it if the present is taken away, the statue of the girl will actually cry tears of blood and she will cry out into the night. Whether or not anyone has actually seen or heard this is yet to be discovered.
A second more frightening legend of the Bonaventure Cemetery is a pack of ghost dogs who roam the cemetery grounds. Allegedly, this pack of ghost dogs will actually chase people out of the cemetery. Although no one has ever seen the ghost dogs, it has been said that people can hear them breathing and barking as they are being chased.
Whether you are a fan of ghosts or just a fan of historical sites, Bonaventure Cemetery is a beautiful and interesting place to visit.
Just visited the cemetery with my niece, daughter and friend we did a tour and it was so interesting, two and a half hours flew by, we learned so much about how and why things were done in cemeteries back in time to today, these pictures are very much like being there, but the expience is so much more.
Guest
11-Jun-2015 01:06
I always feel at peace and wonder there. Beautiful. Visited twice always stop at the Merser plot. I can almost hear his music.
Guest
06-Feb-2014 20:23
My advice to anyone planning to visit Bonaventure Cemetery. Get a guide. I first visited there without anyone and loved all the beautiful statues and markers but until I hired myself a guide on my next trip to Savannah, I had no idea about all the wonderful stories of the lives of the "residents" of Bonaventure. We could not cover the entire cemetery in three hours of visiting graves and talking about what things meant so the next time I hired a guide for a private tour. That took another three hours but the tour was on the rest of the cemetery. So if you are curious like I am, it is so well worth an expert explaining to you what the markers and sayings mean. Both times visiting there, I hired Shannon Scott as our guide. He is very knowledgeable but there are several guides to answer your questions. I so love Savannah and BonVenture!
anna cole
01-Jul-2013 19:10
I just finished Looking at your Pictures,and I really want to walk the Grounds of the cematery.I have always liked walking in cemateries.It is always so Peaceful.And I really enjoy reading the Headstones.
Rita Cooper
22-May-2013 14:54
I visited Bonaventure Cemetery twice on a recent visit to Savannah from the UK. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Your photos are lovely. Thanks for sharing them. One day I will come back to Savannah and revisit Bonaventure.
Sean
27-Sep-2012 19:31
Are the photos/collection available for purchase?
jual baju online
22-Jun-2012 08:19
i think this post is greater post then another because its short but effective and impressive content which give the best knowledge.
Guest
07-Jun-2012 05:10
beautiful pictures
Guest
07-Jun-2012 05:09
pictures are beautiful
S. Curran
20-Feb-2012 21:37
Yesterday my family visited Bonaventure Cemetary. It is a beautiful place, so serene so peaceful, I sat on the bench and felt like I was one with nature. A calming feeling came over me. We found Gracie Watson's grave which was truly touching. Would like to know where the rest of her family is burried. I really enjoyed our visit and my family did too. Adults and kids alike. Hope to go back again some time. Thanks for the beautiful pictures!
w
Carolyn
02-Dec-2011 11:56
These pics are wonderful. my mother & grandfather are buried there. I would love to see more .
Carolyn
02-Dec-2011 11:55
These pics are wonderful. my mother & grandfather are buried there. I would love to see more .
Guest
13-Aug-2011 03:58
On my way to M yrtle Beach August 17 from Jax Fl. Going to stop and see this. Your pics are beautiful. I read the book and saw the movie. This looks like a great site to see. The stones and the mossy garden are so nice. Thanks.
Hunter
25-Jun-2011 04:20
my mom saw 2 orbs in the air the stormy night i was there.
I personally speaking think that Bonaventure is haunted.
Eric Davis
15-May-2011 18:43
i like these pictures
Guest
15-May-2011 18:42
these are nice pictures
R.H. Snipes
11-Mar-2011 18:54
A beautiful place and what a cemetary should be.....serene, beautiful, full of wildlife, trees,moss and plants.
Guest
09-Feb-2011 06:33
I have six family members and some friends in Bonaventure. I'm always in awe of it's beauty no matter how many times I go there. Your photographs are great. Thank you for making them available.
Ethel
22-Jun-2010 20:39
What was the cause of death of the Eagle Scout, a young man whose surname was Rountree?
Kelly
16-Sep-2009 16:57
I grew up in Savannah and would often ride my bike in Bonaventure. It took me away from the worries and struggles of my life. Thinking back to my younger days some of my fondest memories are there. No place I've ever found could equal its serenity. It calms the soul and eases your heart.
catster
17-Aug-2009 15:17
we were there yesterday ... loved it! didn't know space was available .. may have to check into that for the very distant future ;) didn't see any ghost but haven't check my pictures yet ??? you never know! can't wait to go back and get more pictures ... really enjoy yours posted here.
Walter Coleman
01-Jul-2009 17:53
I am loking for a dear friend, Peter Athas's grave stone. I went to his funeral but I have since forgotton where he is buried.
charles h
18-Jun-2009 10:43
I went twice last year and once last month to savannah and the cemetery.I always go to the edge where it meets the river and see the sun shine threw the moss and feel the wind on my face.I become one with the place and the city.I always play the kd lang song skylark from good and evil in my head.got many beautiful shots.its my dream to live in savannah.maybe the history,scenary or the ole souls that becon me to drop my anchor there and live life.
Melanie
21-May-2009 18:49
It nice to see some one else enjoys taking pictures of this beautiful places. It makes me want to go out there and take pictures out there on a bright sunny day.
Andrea Bonner-Kanalos
18-May-2009 18:48
Thanks everyone for your responses to my comment. I did finally make it to the cemetery in Oct 2007 and found my grandfathers grave! What a beautiful place!
Guest
02-Apr-2009 23:46
This is amazing gallery of amazing place. I was there two weeks ago. Spent a few hours walking around and taking pictures, and it was not enough - I will be going back. Soon. There is this peaceful air, calmness that I did not experience anywhere else. Great pictures! V!
Mario
10-Mar-2009 21:21
I visited Bonaventure Cementery last weekend and when I first arrived I thought to myself, "this cementery is like any other cementery," but after walking around and viewing the beautiful sculptures and the words on the tombstone was amazing. I was planning on staying there for half an hour and it turned out to be three hours. Truly amazing. I do have a question, on one gravesite, this statement was said, "She did what she could." I am curious if anyone knows what this might mean. If you do know, please e-mail me at mariovgarcia2001@yahoo.com
Thank you,
Mario
Traci
02-Feb-2009 22:09
My father and son are buried in Bonaventure and I often travel there to visit them. I am usually accompanied by my mother and it is always sad for us both. My father is buried near Conrad Aiken's plot so the tours are frequently conducted while we are there. The tour guides are always so respectful and friendly, not obtrusive at all. So are many visitors who stop to ask questions or directions. It makes the experience seem a little less sad. I would like to thank the kindness extended by so many strangers.
chris edwards
14-Jan-2009 02:35
i use to patrol the cemetery for about a year when i lived in Savannah at first going in to the gates at midnight was kind of scary trying to find key points on the trees within its winding roads.i think i never did get use to it.
John Hohenstein
18-Sep-2008 10:37
Andrea,
I'll be glad to stop by Bonaventure and take some pics of your Grandfather's grave for you if you haven't gotten any by now. Let me know:
BTW... there are two pics of the American Legion Section of Bonaventure on Page 6.
guest
22-Aug-2008 15:42
I was at Bonaventure in April. What a beautiful place. I spent about 3 hour's there and it wasn't enough. I'm planning a trip back and will take a whole day to spend there and take picture's. Word's can't describe how gorgeous it is. You must experience it for yourself.
William T.M. Murray
19-Aug-2008 11:54
My wife & I visited Bonaventure Cemetery on 8/8/08 during our Southern States trip & I must say, it's a very interesting, beautiful & historical Cemetery in a very historic City.
Debra Williams
08-Jun-2008 19:38
I remember reading that Bonaventure is the most beautiful cemetery in our country...I believe it is! The pics are just great!!
Guest
26-May-2008 00:50
Sandra
My husband and I were there in 05. Your pictures are beautiful, but does not do it justice. This is the most beiutiful place, how could you be afraid of ghost.
I THINK THIS PLACE IS AWESOME I PLAN ON VISITING THIS WKND. PLAN ON STAYING A FEWW HRS. TO VIEW THE WONDERFUL ART AT THIS PLACE.
matt
07-Feb-2008 23:33
great pics I plan on being there this wknd spending all day in a beatifull spot .
wolf
31-Jan-2008 16:37
wow i loved the beautiful pictures there great, do you have any more?
Britt Fleming
17-Dec-2007 17:05
These are some of the best photos I've yet seen of this cemetery. Would you please contact me?
cyndi
27-Aug-2007 18:16
Hi!
Thanks for posting all these beautiful pictures...My mom lives down the road, and i spent quite a bit of time walking this stately, hautning at times cemetary. it is quite a place!
Billy McDonough
22-Aug-2007 00:49
Just visited Bonaventure last weekend (8-18-07) and had a blast looking at the most gothic memorials I've ever seen. I wish I could of stayed longer but it was blistering hot.
KiKi
11-Jul-2006 02:13
Andrea....are you still looking for a picture of your Grandfathers grave?
KiKi
Shar
19-Jun-2006 12:46
Lois,
the little stones are pieces of the home of the Jewish dead. It is said that they take part of their home with them when they pass.
lois
10-Jun-2006 16:28
Just recently visited the cemetary and noted the little stones placed on the headstornes and was wondering if you had any information as to why they were placed there?
guest
06-Jun-2006 05:45
I went to Bonaventure sat morning 7:30 am 06-03-06. I didn't know about the people or history there. I didn't know how massive it was. I was just going to visit my cousin's grave ,whom I never said goodbye to and I needed to make some amends. I rode down one gravel/dirt path. I turned back to left stopped my truck and got out. I had been given some vague instructions so I thought I would just start looking at names. I walked about 40 feet and the first name I saw my family name. I made peace with my cousin and myself. Then, I seen the beauty of this place.
Andrea Kanalos
25-May-2006 17:34
I just recently found out my paternal grandfather is buried at this cemetery. I have not been able to make the 3 hour drive to see the grave. He died a year before I was born, and no one knew much about him. I do know he is buried in the American Legion section of the cemetery. His name was Welby Jack Bonner and he was a veteran of WWII. He was in the Army & the Air Force. If you know anyone with a picture of this section of the cemetery I would love to hear from them. Thanks, Andrea L Bonner-Kanalos
Joanne Woods
09-Apr-2006 13:26
I have been to Savannah many times since 1961 and consider it the most beautiful place. I have also toured the Bonaventure Cemetery and am intriged by all the history and beauty of it.
Very impressive collection of photos, and I appreciate the comments about the cemetery.
Ron
Guest
16-Feb-2006 14:10
I love shooting in cemetaries. These are some great captures here :) Nice job!
Frank
08-Feb-2006 04:15
Was there July 2005, have a picture of a massive monument with the initials E.P. and quote from Psalms 41:1. Truely an impressive setting.
Stevie
25-Jan-2006 16:44
Jeff...I have been to Bonaventure three time now. It is just an amazing place. It has a serene beauty. I have many of the same pictures and very much enjoyed looking at yours. My sister and I stopped at several old graveyards on our drive from Texas to Savannah. It is true, to understand the living, you have to commune with the dead. Best Wishes!!!
Lorie
20-Jan-2006 01:51
We went to Bonaventure in Nov. of 2005. We did find Little Gracie. We also had 6 "energy orbes" show up in a picture of a tomb. It was the Guckenheimer Tomb. It really is a great picture. I can't wait to return to Bonaventure! I loved your pictures, I have some of the same ones. Great eye!
Wonderful gallery. Artistic and very touching. Voted.
I have started a new gallery a few days ago - Memory In Stone - about old, forgotten cemeteries. Welcome to visit.
Guest
01-Jan-2006 16:46
The early morning sun in this cemetary is unbelievable. If you go to Savannah this cemetary is a must see. Me and my wife spent nearly 6 hrs. just looking at the artwork in the stones. Very eerie in late afternoon, but you leave with a sense of peace.
Melody
29-Dec-2005 21:58
I walked this cemetary with my Dad and boyfriend in July 05, and was truly amazed by so many unique and beautiful gravestones. The story of Gracie was touching. We didn't see it all, (especially wanted to see the ones down the stairs) so your pictures bring back the awsome feeling I had while walking through. Thanks for Memory!
Melody
bob
18-Dec-2005 22:12
this is cool
ANDREA L BONNER-KANALOS
11-Dec-2005 16:39
I JUST FOUND OUT MY GRANDFATHER IS BURIED AT BONAVENTURE CEMETERY. IS THERE A WAY TO FIND A PICTURE OF HIS HEADSTONE? HIS NAME IS WELBY JACK BONNER 1917-1974.
JOAN CLARKE
29-Oct-2005 03:01
MY HUSBAND AND I TRY TO MAKE TO BONAVENTURE EVERY YEAR TO VISIT JOHNNY MERCER. SITTING ON THE BENCHES ENGRAVED WITH SOME OF HIS GREATEST LYRICS, IS SO PEACEFUL!!!!
Guest
02-Oct-2005 02:21
I loved your photos. I was just in Savannah a few weeks ago. I also visited the Bonaventure Cemetery and took many of the exact same images that you took. I fell in love with the place and think of it often. It's a very haunting and beautiful place.
Annette Hulsey
23-Sep-2005 13:31
Beautiful pictures - you captured the true mood of the location and its flora. I can imagine myself back in Savannah looking at these photos.
tlm
09-Aug-2005 22:38
Thank you so much for the incredible pictures. I have visited the cemetery twice and absolutely loved it. I lost all my pics in a recent PC crash. So thank you again so much.
Incredible shots! I missed out on this while I was in Savannah by the time we got there it was after 5 and it closed at 5 o'clock. Thanks you so much for taking all of these pictures and sharing them.
Char
Guest
05-Aug-2005 18:33
It's a very beautiful cemetery. Great Composition. I wonder what would it be like if some of the shot were taken at night(long exposure) Anyways, I enjoyed it very much.
Nellie Trust
01-Aug-2005 15:52
Your pictures are fantastic! I just visited Bonaventure and took a few pictures, but did not find the Gracie Watkins or the Jim Williams graves. I would love to see a caption for each of your pictures. The visit to this magnificent and historical graveyard was the highlight of my 10 day visit to Savannah. Thank you for your web site.
Herman
30-Jul-2005 04:10
Wonderful pictures in this old psychic cemetery. All the pictures could be improved, I believe, if they were taken in the spring when the azaleas were blooming.
Steve Kujawa
22-Jul-2005 04:40
Beautiful pictures. Needs a legend, captions, and brief commentary for each picture.
Well done, keep up the good work!
Steve Kujawa
Savannah native
Aristocracker
17-Jul-2005 01:03
Very nice, Icelade!
Guest
09-Jul-2005 02:13
these pictues are so incredible. i was actually there 2 weeks ago but i didn't get to see all the graves in the hour i was there. i also was wondering if you could get pictures of inside the masoleums. here's a stupid question but i heard it was a haunted cemetary, have you ever experienced anything there while taking pictures?
christina
Christi
23-May-2005 17:07
The pictures are beautiful. I have alwasy loved Bonavetnure....my grandparents and great-grandparents are buried there....this summer we will be placing my fathers marker there as well....there are 3 plots left for our family but none of us is in a hurry to use them.
Guest
21-Apr-2005 22:07
Just inherited 12 lots. In no rush to use any? Apparently there is plenty of room left should any of you from above the Mason Dixon line desire to be buried a little closer to the Lord. Based on the ghost stories you might even be able wander Bonaventure for eternity.
Guest
05-Feb-2005 18:34
Really nice pictures and the text is good too. Best Regards Tepold
Erin
14-Nov-2004 06:32
I really appreciated the pictures that you have posted; they really capture the true beauty and reverence that one imbues while walking through the cemetary. When I visited the Georgian historical site, i was overwhelmed. Being that I am only 20 years old, I feel that i am destined to visit the site again. Thank you for reviving the memories of a wonderful and historical experience from my past.
Laurie
03-Jun-2004 01:49
Wonderful pictures! I so often wish I would have visited Bonaventure when I lived in that part of the country. Thank you for sharing!
Guest
16-May-2004 05:17
This was very interesting!
Guest
04-May-2004 23:49
Extremely striking photographs! Lovely composition. Thank you so much for sharing.
Robert Lettow
24-Apr-2004 22:31
Although I've been to Bonaventure Cemetery many times, I have never seen many of the beautiful subjects in the photos in your gallery. If you published them in a book, I would be among the first to purchase a copy.
Hi I saw your pictures and I think you page looks great!
I am so glad other people enjoy this type of photography
Please check out some of my funeral pictures
www.pbase.com/gregorysullivan
Thanks
By the way do you ever get a chance to see inside any of the mosulems? I mean do you ever see any of the old caskets?
I have seen a few and I was wondering if you might be able to take pictures of any you may encounter.
GregorySullivan@hotmail.com
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