Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia: Horror Story, Facts, History & Information

Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia is a place of beauty and mystery. The cemetery is famous for its stunning scenery and impressive funerary art, but it is also said to be haunted by the spirits of the dead. The cemetery’s history dates back to the late 18th century and has been the final resting place of many notable individuals, including poet Conrad Aiken and Georgia’s first governor, Edward Telfair. However, the cemetery’s beauty and history are not the only things that draw visitors – many come seeking the paranormal activity that is said to occur within its gates.

In this blog, we will explore the horror story, facts, history, and information surrounding Bonaventure Cemetery, from its origins to the chilling tales of hauntings that have made it a must-visit destination for ghost hunters and history buffs alike. Join us as we delve into the haunting history of this iconic cemetery and uncover the secrets that lie within its hallowed grounds.

Horror story of Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia

Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia, is widely regarded as one of the most haunted cemeteries in the United States. The cemetery’s history dates back to 1846, when it was established as a private burial ground for the city’s elite families. The cemetery was expanded in the late 19th century and became a public cemetery.

The cemetery is known for its stunning Gothic architecture and moss-covered trees, but it’s also notorious for its paranormal activity. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling cold spots throughout the cemetery.

One of the most famous ghost stories associated with Bonaventure Cemetery is that of Little Gracie Watson, a young girl who died in 1889 at the age of six. Her family was so devastated by her death that they commissioned a life-sized statue of her to be placed at her gravesite. Visitors to the cemetery have reported seeing the statue of Little Gracie moving, and some have even claimed to have seen her ghost wandering through the cemetery.

Another famous ghost story associated with Bonaventure Cemetery is that of Rene Asche Rondolier, a young man who died in the 1920s. Rondolier’s family was so distraught by his death that they built a small house over his grave and would often stay there to mourn. Visitors to the cemetery have reported seeing a light inside the house, even though there is no electricity running to it.

There are also reports of a ghostly figure known as the “Bird Girl” who is said to haunt the cemetery. The Bird Girl was originally a sculpture that was featured on the cover of the novel “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” which is set in Savannah. After the book’s release, the statue was moved to a museum, but visitors to the cemetery still report seeing a ghostly figure resembling the sculpture.

Overall, Bonaventure Cemetery is a place of great beauty and history, but it’s also a place where the lines between the living and the dead seem to blur, and where ghostly apparitions are said to roam.

Information & History of Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia

Bonaventure Cemetery is a historic cemetery located in Savannah, Georgia, United States. It was established in 1846 and covers over 160 acres of land along the Wilmington River.

The cemetery’s name comes from the French phrase “bonne aventure,” which means good fortune. The cemetery became famous after the publication of John Berendt’s novel, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” which features the cemetery as a prominent location.

Bonaventure Cemetery was originally a plantation, owned by John Mullryne, who sold the land to Peter Wiltberger in 1846. Wiltberger donated the land to the city of Savannah to be used as a public cemetery. The cemetery quickly became a popular burial ground for Savannah’s elite, with elaborate monuments and mausoleums erected in memory of the deceased.

During the Civil War, Bonaventure Cemetery served as a Confederate encampment and hospital. After the war, the cemetery fell into disrepair, with many graves neglected and forgotten.

In the 20th century, efforts were made to restore and preserve the cemetery. The Bonaventure Historical Society was founded in 1990 to help with these efforts. Today, the cemetery is a popular tourist destination and is known for its beautiful landscaping, monuments, and sculptures.

Some of the notable people buried in Bonaventure Cemetery include songwriter Johnny Mercer, poet Conrad Aiken, and artist and author Mary Telfair. The cemetery is also known for its stunning oak trees draped in Spanish moss, which add to the picturesque beauty of the grounds.

Facts about Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia

Here are some interesting facts about Bonaventure Cemetery:

1. Bonaventure Cemetery covers over 160 acres and has more than 30,000 graves.
2. The cemetery was originally a plantation owned by John Mullryne and later sold to Peter Wiltberger, who donated the land to the city of Savannah in 1846.
3. The name “Bonaventure” comes from the French phrase “bonne aventure,” which means good fortune.
4. The cemetery became famous after the publication of John Berendt’s novel “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” which features the cemetery as a prominent location.
5. Bonaventure Cemetery is known for its beautiful landscaping, monuments, and sculptures, including the statue “Bird Girl,” which was featured on the cover of the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”
6. The cemetery is also known for its stunning oak trees draped in Spanish moss, which add to the picturesque beauty of the grounds.
7. Bonaventure Cemetery served as a Confederate encampment and hospital during the Civil War.
8. The cemetery fell into disrepair after the war, but efforts were made in the 20th century to restore and preserve the grounds.
9. Notable people buried in Bonaventure Cemetery include songwriter Johnny Mercer, poet Conrad Aiken, and artist and author Mary Telfair.
10. The Bonaventure Historical Society was founded in 1990 to help with the restoration and preservation of the cemetery.

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FAQ about Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia

Here are some frequently asked questions about Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia:

What is Bonaventure Cemetery?

Bonaventure Cemetery is a historic cemetery located in Savannah, Georgia. It was established in 1846 and is known for its beautiful landscaping, monuments, sculptures, and oak trees draped in Spanish moss.

Can visitors visit Bonaventure Cemetery?

Yes, Bonaventure Cemetery is open to the public. Visitors can explore the grounds during the cemetery’s operating hours.

What are the operating hours of Bonaventure Cemetery?

The cemetery is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week.

Is there an admission fee for Bonaventure Cemetery?

No, there is no admission fee for Bonaventure Cemetery. It is free to visit.

Can visitors take guided tours of Bonaventure Cemetery?

Yes, guided tours are available for visitors who want to learn more about the history and notable gravesites in the cemetery.

How long does a typical visit to Bonaventure Cemetery take?

A visit to Bonaventure Cemetery can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on how much time visitors want to spend exploring the grounds.

Are pets allowed in Bonaventure Cemetery?

No, pets are not allowed in the cemetery except for service animals.

Is photography allowed in Bonaventure Cemetery?

Yes, photography is allowed in the cemetery, but visitors are asked to be respectful of the gravesites and monuments.

Are there any restrictions on visiting Bonaventure Cemetery?

Visitors are asked to follow the rules and regulations of the cemetery, including staying on the paths and not disturbing the gravesites or wildlife.

What notable people are buried in Bonaventure Cemetery?

Notable people buried in Bonaventure Cemetery include songwriter Johnny Mercer, poet Conrad Aiken, and artist and author Mary Telfair, among others.