Oconee Hill Cemetery

Oconee Hill Cemetery is a historic cemetery located in Athens, Georgia, near the University of Georgia and the North Oconee River. The cemetery has been the final resting place for many notable individuals, including R.E.M.'s Peter Buck, Widespread Panic's Michael Houser, and Pulitzer Prize winner Henry Grady. It is also the burial site of several American Civil War veterans, including Confederate States Army soldiers who fought in the Battle of Atlanta and the Battle of Gettysburg. The cemetery is situated near the Georgia Museum of Art and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

● History

The history of Oconee Hill Cemetery dates back to the mid-19th century, when it was established as a public cemetery for the city of Athens, Georgia. During the American Civil War, the cemetery was used as a burial site for Confederate States Army soldiers who died in the Battle of Atlanta and other battles. The cemetery is also the final resting place of several notable individuals, including University of Georgia presidents Patrick Hues Mell and Alonzo S. Church, as well as Georgia Governor Lamartine G. Hardman. The cemetery has been expanded several times over the years, with new sections added to accommodate the growing population of Athens, Georgia and the surrounding areas, including Clarke County, Georgia and Oconee County, Georgia. The cemetery is located near the Cherokee Rose trail and the Oconee River Greenway.

● Geography and Layout

Oconee Hill Cemetery is situated on a hill overlooking the North Oconee River and the city of Athens, Georgia. The cemetery covers an area of approximately 100 acres and features a variety of landscapes, including rolling hills, wooded areas, and scenic vistas. The cemetery is divided into several sections, including the old cemetery, the new cemetery, and the African American section, which was established in the late 19th century. The cemetery is also home to several notable landmarks, including the University of Georgia's Demosthenian Hall and the Georgia Museum of Art. The cemetery is located near the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the Sandy Creek Park.

● Notable Interments

Oconee Hill Cemetery is the final resting place of many notable individuals, including Pulitzer Prize winner Henry Grady, University of Georgia presidents Patrick Hues Mell and Alonzo S. Church, and Georgia Governor Lamartine G. Hardman. The cemetery is also the burial site of several American Civil War veterans, including Confederate States Army soldiers who fought in the Battle of Atlanta and the Battle of Gettysburg. Other notable interments include R.E.M.'s Peter Buck, Widespread Panic's Michael Houser, and Drive-By Truckers' Jason Isbell. The cemetery is also the final resting place of several notable African American individuals, including Bishop Henry McNeal Turner and Civil Rights Movement leader Charlayne Hunter-Gault. The cemetery is located near the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site.

● Preservation and Tourism

Oconee Hill Cemetery is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to pay their respects to the notable individuals buried there. The cemetery is also an important historical and cultural landmark, with many of its graves and monuments listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cemetery is maintained by the City of Athens, Georgia and is open to the public for visitation and tours. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the cemetery, which includes a map and guide to the notable graves and landmarks. The cemetery is also home to several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Athens Heritage Festival and the Oconee Hill Cemetery Tour. The cemetery is located near the Georgia State Capitol and the Centennial Olympic Park.

● Cultural Significance

Oconee Hill Cemetery is a significant cultural and historical landmark, reflecting the history and heritage of Athens, Georgia and the surrounding areas. The cemetery is a testament to the city's rich cultural and musical heritage, with many notable musicians and artists buried there, including R.E.M.'s Peter Buck and Widespread Panic's Michael Houser. The cemetery is also an important symbol of the city's African American heritage, with many notable African American individuals buried there, including Bishop Henry McNeal Turner and Civil Rights Movement leader Charlayne Hunter-Gault. The cemetery has been featured in several films and television shows, including The Walking Dead and The Vampire Diaries, and has been the subject of several books and documentaries, including Gone with the Wind and The History of Athens, Georgia. The cemetery is located near the Fox Theatre and the Georgia Aquarium. Category:Cemeteries in Georgia (U.S. state)