Bonaventure Cemetery

As the sun began to cast its golden glow over the Spanish moss-draped trees, I found myself standing at the entrance of Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah. The air was thick with humidity, and the tranquility of Bonaventure was almost palpable. I first heard about this iconic cemetery when it gained widespread recognition in the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" by John Berendt. It is still one of my favorite books; I highly recommend it if you haven't read it. The cemetery plays a significant role in the book's narrative and contributes to its mystique, and now I was about to experience it firsthand.

When I travel, I want to fully immerse myself in a site's significance, history, and legacy. I learned that Bonaventure Cemetery began as Bonaventure Plantation, a private estate owned by Colonel John Mullrynand. After changing ownership several times, it became the privately owned Evergreen Cemetery in 1846. In 1907, the city of Savannah purchased Evergreen Cemetery for public use and renamed it Bonaventure Cemetery.

Many people might find it strange to visit a cemetery while on vacation, but beautiful things can be found if one takes the time to curate the experience. Bonaventure Cemetery is striking in many ways; it evokes a sense of the importance of reflection and remembrance. Bonaventure is truly captivating; it is a place where artists can find inspiration among the tombstones, where the heartbreak of loss is revealed, and where love stories that spanned generations are told. The cemetery seemed to come alive with the voices of those laid to rest there.

As I walked along the winding paths, I took the time to read the many names and dates chiseled into the headstones. Being here seemed to encourage introspection, and I found myself silently paying my respects to the lives that had left their mark on this world. I find myself asking questions that I will never know the answer to. How well did they live, how much did they love, who did they leave behind to mourn their loss, and what regrets, if any, did they take with them? As I continued walking along the path, I found colossal gravestones, ornate monuments adorned with intricate carvings, and atmospheric landscaping that created a Southern Gothic ambiance. If you look closely at many of the markers, they will reveal insights into the lives and interests of the people laid to rest.

Bonaventure is the final resting place for many, including notable individuals from Savannah's history, such as politicians, artists, soldiers, and writers. I paused at the gravesite of Johnny Mercer, the famed songwriter; his tombstone featured musical notes and a lyric from one of his songs, creating a harmonious tribute to his legacy. Those who knew or loved Johnny Mercer still leave flowers and tokens on his grave.

Bonaventure Cemetery is renowned for its captivating beauty, historical significance, and unique attractions. Many gravestones and sculptures draw a lot of attraction from tourists. Most notable is the life-size marble sculpture of Gracie, "Little Gracie Watson," who passed away in 1889 at age six. Gracie's monument is the only one in Bonaventure sculpted in someone's exact likeness. Artist John Walz created the lifelike sculpture using only a photograph. Due to Gracie's popularity, her final resting place has been fenced off to keep eager visitors from getting too close and causing damage to her gravestone.

Bonaventure was once home to "Bird Girl," a sculpture created by sculptor Sylvia Shaw Judson. The "Bird Girl" was one of the most famous features of the cemetery for nearly 50 years; after it was featured on the cover of "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," it gained so much attention that it had to be moved for safekeeping to the Telfair Museum Jepson Center for the Arts in Savannah. You will find many gift shops in Savannah selling various Bird Girl souvenirs.

The beauty of Bonaventure Cemetery was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The combination of nature, art, and history created a somber and uplifting atmosphere. Bonaventure Cemetery is not only a burial ground but also a place of historical significance, artistic inspiration, and natural beauty. Leaving the cemetery, I carried the stories, images, and a sense of reverence for the lives that had shaped the place. Bonaventure Cemetery had left an indelible mark on my heart, a reminder of the profound connection between the living and the departed.

It was heartening to hear about the dedication of the Bonaventure Historical Society and their commitment to maintaining the site's legacy. Bonaventure Cemetery continues to capture the imagination of visitors worldwide, making it an enduring landmark in Savannah, Georgia. The next time you are in Savannah, I hope I have inspired you to include a visit to Bonaventure Cemetery.