Discover the Historic Cemeteries of Georgia's Golden Isles: Oak Grove and Christ Church
October brings thoughts of ghosts and goblins, but the Golden Isles offer captivating history rather than tricks. Nestled in our centuries-old neighborhoods are two historic cemeteries with graves dating to the early 19th century.
These sites are the final resting places for some of the region's earliest settlers and most prominent figures. This fall, uncover their untold stories and pay respects to the spirits of the past.
Historic Downtown Brunswick's Oak Grove Cemetery
Situated in the heart of Historic Downtown Brunswick, Oak Grove Cemetery spans three acres and serves as the burial ground for many of the city's founding families and notable residents. Established in 1838, it contains approximately 1,200 graves, including 418 unmarked and over 60 unknown.
Graves here date back to the early 1800s. Wander beneath sprawling live oaks and cedars to connect with the Golden Isles' elite—from mayors and doctors to influential locals.
Among the notable burials is Charles Day, father-in-law of famed poet Sidney Lanier; Urbanus Dart, considered Brunswick's founding father; George C. Dent, owner of the lands and builder of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation; and Sir Rosendo Torras, whose son Fernando constructed the F.J. Torras Causeway linking Brunswick to St. Simons Island.
Plan your visit via the cemetery's website, offering free guided tours, self-guided resources, and virtual tours. Learn intriguing tales, such as Eardley Westmoreland, wed and deceased within hours, and Fay "the May" Templeton, the "Queen of Vaudeville."
Know Before You Go:
- Open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
- Respect graves: avoid walking on them or making rubbings.
- Stone carvers' signatures are often at the base of headstones.
- Symbols of secret societies, like the Masonic Society, are present.
- A carved rose on a woman's headstone indicates life stage: bud for short life, full bloom for long and fulfilled.
St. Simons Island's Christ Church Cemetery
Christ Church's history in the Golden Isles dates to 1808, when the state legislature chartered an Episcopal church in Frederica (now Fort Frederica). Built in 1820, it was destroyed by Union forces during the Civil War and rebuilt in 1884 at its current site.
Like Oak Grove, its cemetery holds graves of St. Simons' oldest and most prominent families. With about 1,600 interments, it remains active, featuring a columbarium amid one of the Isles' most serene settings.
Beneath ancient live oaks, camellias, and azaleas rest Eugenia Price, author of the beloved St. Simons trilogy; Anson Green Phelps Dodge Jr., rebuilder of Christ Church and its first rector; James Gould, designer of the original St. Simons Lighthouse; and John Couper, owner of Cannon's Point Plantation. Fittingly, Price lies near many characters from her novels.
Know Before You Go:
- Open dawn to dusk, Tuesday–Sunday. On Sundays, respect ongoing church services.
- Seek the statue of the boy with a thorn—stories abound, but its meaning remains unconfirmed. Its graves uniquely face away from east.
- The oldest grave dates to 1802.
- Flags mark military veterans (American, Confederate, etc.).
- A section is reserved for rectors and their wives.
Special thanks to Troupe Nightingale of Southeastern Photography for several images in this article.
