Decatur Cemetery
Metro Atlanta's oldest public burial ground, offering a peaceful walk through history with unique art and serene landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Decatur Cemetery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Metro Atlanta's oldest public burial ground, offering a peaceful walk through history with unique art and serene landscapes.
"Awesome place to take a peaceful walk or stroll. Beautiful scenery, around every twist and turn."
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The grounds are expansive with varied terrain. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the 54 acres.
🗺️ Grab a Cemetery Map
A printed guide can help you navigate and find historical figures, though some errors have been noted.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Old Section
Oldest part of the cemetery
Discover the roots of metro Atlanta's oldest public burial ground, with stories dating back to the early 1800s.
Unique Art & Decorations
Various grave sites
Admire the personal touches and artistic expressions left by loved ones, adding a unique visual dimension to the landscape.
Peaceful Pond
Central pond area
Enjoy a serene moment by the stocked pond, offering a tranquil spot for reflection amidst the historical surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The grounds are expansive with varied terrain. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the 54 acres.
🗺️ Grab a Cemetery Map
A printed guide can help you navigate and find historical figures, though some errors have been noted.
📸 Capture the History
Many visitors find the unique headstones and decorations incredibly photogenic. 
🐶 Leash Your Dog
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. Be mindful of other visitors and the cemetery's rules.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The grounds are expansive with varied terrain. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the 54 acres.
🗺️ Grab a Cemetery Map
A printed guide can help you navigate and find historical figures, though some errors have been noted.
📸 Capture the History
Many visitors find the unique headstones and decorations incredibly photogenic.
🐶 Leash Your Dog
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. Be mindful of other visitors and the cemetery's rules.
🤫 Be Respectful
This is an active cemetery. Maintain a quiet demeanor and avoid disturbing any services or visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Decatur Cemetery for its historical significance, peaceful atmosphere, and beautiful scenery, making it ideal for quiet walks and photography. While generally well-maintained, some note minor inaccuracies in available guides. It's a respected active cemetery, so visitors are reminded to be mindful and respectful.
"We worked up an appetite walking the grounds of the Decatur Cemetery, using one of their printed guides to find the interesting residents here. We did notice four different errors in the guide, so there's that.
The Decatur Cemetery is the oldest known publicly owned burial ground in metro Atlanta, believed to predate the city's 1823 incorporation.
Rich and poor, free and slave, and yes, quite a few CSA soldiers laid to rest here. Most of the walkways are easily walkable but some are not. If you're mobility challenged, there is still quite a lot that is accessible. Military veterans, legislators, congressmen, authors and judges. Even one of the delegates to the Secession Convention.
This is well worth your time to visit. Please be respectful as this is an active cemetery and there are people here encountering their own personal losses."
Bruce InCharlotte
"The Decatur Cemetery is the oldest Burial ground in the Atlanta metropolitan area, and it is believer ro have been used even before Decatur's 1823 incorpoaration. Till dat it has expanded to 54 acres and contains well over 20,000 graves. A special section exists for cremated burials; the cemetery also contains a pond stocked with fish."
Aman Mandal
"Awesome place to take a peaceful walk or stroll. Beautiful scenery, around every twist and turn.
I love walking my dog there. I took hundreds of pictures. Peaceful & Relaxing. Also many very interesting headstones to look at.
Love the way some people have decorated, the areas around their loved ones.
IF YOU LIKE MY PICTURES AND THINK MY REVEIW WAS HELPFUL PLEASE LIKE IT.
THANK YOU,
JENNA"
Jenna Ronk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Decatur Cemetery is located in Decatur, Georgia. It's accessible by car, and public transportation options may be available depending on your starting point. Parking is generally available within the cemetery grounds.
Yes, Decatur Cemetery is a well-known landmark in Decatur, GA. It's often mentioned in local guides and is easily searchable on GPS devices.
Decatur Cemetery has multiple entrances. The main entrances are typically well-marked and provide access to different sections of the grounds.
For a comprehensive exploration, consider using a cemetery map or guide, especially for the older sections. Walking is the primary way to get around.
While many walkways are walkable, some areas can be uneven. However, a significant portion of the cemetery is accessible for those with mobility challenges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Decatur Cemetery is a public burial ground and generally does not require an admission fee. It's open for visitors to explore respectfully.
As an active cemetery, it is typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check for specific operating times if you plan to visit very early or late.
Yes, weekends are a popular time for visitors seeking a peaceful walk. Be aware that it might be busier, and respect any ongoing services.
Parking is usually available and free within the cemetery grounds. However, it's always a good idea to check for any posted signage regarding parking regulations.
While generally open during daylight, it's best to avoid visiting during funeral services or very early/late hours to ensure respect for the grounds and mourners.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors often highlight the historic 'old' section with graves dating back to the early 1800s, unique grave decorations, and a peaceful pond. Notable figures like veterans, legislators, and authors are also interred here. +1
Absolutely! The variety of historical headstones, artistic decorations, and the natural scenery make it a popular spot for photographers.
Yes, dogs are welcome in Decatur Cemetery, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Be considerate of other visitors.
While official guided tours might not always be available, historical guides or maps can sometimes be obtained to help you explore the significant areas.
The cemetery is the resting place for a diverse range of individuals, including military veterans, legislators, congressmen, authors, judges, and delegates to the Secession Convention.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic 'old' section offers a wealth of aged gravestones and unique inscriptions. Areas around the pond and any sites with particularly artistic or elaborate decorations are also highly photogenic.
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted. However, always be respectful of ongoing services and private memorials. Avoid intrusive photography.
Late afternoon 'golden hour' often provides beautiful, soft light that enhances the atmosphere and details of the gravestones. Early morning can also offer a serene, quiet light.
While not explicitly stated, it's best to use tripods discreetly and avoid setting them up in a way that obstructs pathways or disturbs other visitors. Check with cemetery management if unsure.
Look for weathered inscriptions, unique angel statues, ornate ironwork, family mausoleums, and the natural integration of the cemetery with its surroundings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a simple scavenger hunt list related to dates or symbols found on gravestones to make the visit more interactive. The relatively flat paths in many areas make it manageable for strollers, but be prepared for some uneven terrain in older sections. It's a great opportunity to teach children about local history in a tangible way.
🐶 Dog Owners
Be mindful of other visitors and their pets, and always clean up after your dog. The expansive grounds provide ample space for a leisurely stroll, making it an ideal outing for both you and your dog. The natural setting offers plenty of interesting scents and sights for your canine friend to explore.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Genealogists
While a guide is available, some visitors have noted discrepancies, so it's wise to cross-reference information. The sheer volume of interred individuals offers a rich landscape for research, providing a tangible connection to the past and the lives of those who came before.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Walk Through History
The cemetery is home to a variety of notable figures, including military veterans, legislators, congressmen, authors, and judges. Exploring the 'old' section, as recommended by visitors, offers a direct connection to the past, with weathered stones and inscriptions telling silent stories. The presence of a special section for cremated burials and a stocked pond adds to the cemetery's unique character and provides serene spots for contemplation.
For those interested in genealogy or local history, Decatur Cemetery offers a rich environment for discovery. While a printed guide is available, some visitors have noted minor inaccuracies, so cross-referencing information might be beneficial. The cemetery's enduring presence serves as a powerful reminder of the generations that have shaped the region.
Photography and Atmosphere
+1The 'golden hour' during late afternoons is particularly recommended for capturing the cemetery's beauty, as the soft light enhances the textures of the stones and the overall mood. Early mornings also offer a tranquil experience with gentle light. The presence of a pond adds a serene element, providing opportunities for landscape photography and quiet contemplation.
While photography is generally welcomed for personal use, it's crucial to maintain a respectful demeanor. Avoid intrusive shots, especially during any ongoing services or private moments of remembrance. The cemetery's expansive grounds offer numerous quiet corners for exploration and artistic capture, making it a rewarding destination for both history buffs and photography enthusiasts.
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