Nestled along the Wilmington River, Bonaventure Cemetery stands as one of Savannah’s most captivating treasures. This 160-acre final resting place combines Southern Gothic charm with natural beauty that has fascinated visitors for generations.
More than just a cemetery, Bonaventure represents a unique blend of history, art, and mystique that continues to draw travelers from around the world seeking both beauty and the supernatural.
The Origins of Bonaventure Cemetery in the 1800s
Before becoming the iconic cemetery we know today, Bonaventure began as a plantation in the 1760s. The name itself reveals its romantic beginnings, as ‘Bonaventure’ comes from the French phrase meaning ‘good fortune.’ When purchased by the City of Savannah in 1907, it had already been operating as a cemetery since 1846.
The Victorian era brought dramatic changes to how Americans approached death and remembrance. Families created elaborate monuments and mausoleums to honor their departed loved ones, transforming burial grounds from simple plots to artistic expressions of grief and memory. Bonaventure emerged during this cultural shift, embracing the concept of a ‘rural cemetery’ with winding paths and naturalistic landscaping…