Guided Walking Tour in Laurel Grove North Cemetery
Dive deep into history and mystery with a Guided Walking Tour in Laurel Grove North Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia. As one of the largest and oldest municipal cemeteries in the southern state, there's more here than meets the eye. You'll discover tales of significant historical figures, marvel at the exquisite art of memorialization, and appreciate the somber beauty of this tranquil, centuries-old cemetery. With the insightful guidance of an experienced tour expert, this expedition offers a rare glimpse into Savannah’s memorable past.
Your journey begins as you explore the extraordinary environment enveloped by towering moss-covered oaks and charming wrought iron gates. With an experienced guide leading the way, expect to walk approximately 1.5 miles, so you'll want to wear comfortable shoes. With about two hours spent there, there will be enough time to soak in the surroundings and carefully examine the intricate markers and ornate crypts while learning snippets of the cemetery’s vibrant history and its important residents.
Laurel Grove is much more than just a cemetery. It's a sprawling account of Savannah’s past that features a diverse collection of architectural styles in the form of tombs and statues, from the traditional Gothic designs to striking obelisks. Among the highlights of this tour are the resting places of prominent figures including Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts, and the elaborate Mercer monument of the famous Mercer family. The hauntingly beautiful sculptures and grave markers, each further enhanced by the stories behind them, make this tour an intricate collage of history and art.
Adding depth to the scenic beauty is the fascinating history associated with this grand cemetery. Founded in 1850, the Laurel Grove Cemetery was a response to the increasing population and a yellow fever outbreak that led the authorities to establish a new public cemetery. Many of Savannah's distinguished 19th-century citizens are buried here. Its segregated design, divided into North for whites and South for blacks, offers a rare glimpse into the racially divided past of the region.
As you finally step outside the sublime world of Laurel Grove North Cemetery, you’ll take with you not just memories, but snippets of a rich, illustrious past symbolized in stone and the green silence. Much grander than a simple cemetery trip, a tour here transports you through centuries and leaves you with stories that resonate with the echoes of time. To truly experience Savannah, visiting this beloved and eerie burial ground is simply a must. So plan your visit, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to confront the beautiful mystery that is Laurel Grove North Cemetery. The echoes of the past are waiting to enchant you.