Colonial Park Cemetery's Dark History of Ghosts, Duels, and Epidemics

Beneath the moss-draped oaks of Savannah's Colonial Park Cemetery lies a history as chilling as it is fascinating. From restless spirits said to haunt the grounds, to deadly duels fought in the shadows, and the devastating yellow fever epidemics that claimed countless lives, this cemetery is steeped in eerie tales and dark events. Join me as we uncover the unsettling past of one of Savannah’s oldest and most haunted burial grounds.

A bronze historical plaque mounted on a brick wall at Colonial Park Cemetery in Savannah, GA. The plaque is weathered with age, its text slightly faded but still legible. It provides historical information about the cemetery, which dates back to the mid-18th century, highlighting its significance as a burial ground for early settlers and notable figures from Savannah's past. The surrounding brick is moss-covered, adding an eerie and aged atmosphere. Fallen leaves scatter at the base, giving the scene a somber, timeless feel. — Colonial Park Cemetery is the oldest intact municipal cemetery in Savannah.

Colonial Park Cemetery offers a glimpse into Savannah’s early days and the lives of its founders. This burial ground is a prime example of a colonial cemetery, featuring well-preserved monuments and grave markers from the era.

Its simple, unadorned landscape stands in stark contrast to the grand architecture many envision when they think of Savannah. The atmosphere here blends eerie tranquility with rich history, as weathered tombstones quietly tell the stories of a long-lost past.

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History and Atmospheric Feel

Colonial Park Cemetery is a haunting slice of Savannah's past nestled in the heart of the Historic District. Established in 1750, this plot of land served as the city's main burial ground for over a century. Originally known by various names like the Old Cemetery and Christ Church Cemetery, it finally settled on its current moniker when it became a city park in 1896.

A towering oak tree draped in long strands of Spanish moss stands in the foreground, its branches sprawling wide. The tree’s gnarled bark and cascading moss give it an ancient, eerie presence. Behind it, the tombstones and crypts of Colonial Park Cemetery in Savannah, GA, are partially visible through the haze of moss, evoking a sense of history and mystery. The weathered grave markers, some leaning and covered in ivy, peek through the tree's limbs, with the cemetery’s old brick walls in the distance, completing the atmospheric, ghostly scene. — The sparse grounds of Colonial Park are dotted with on oak trees draped in Spanish moss adding to the eerie setting.

While this is only a 6-acre cemetery and appears to contain only a few headstones and monuments, there are over 9,000 burials here. Time and vandals have not been kind to the early burial ground. Remember while walking these grounds, you are stepping over the graves of many more than you think!

Notable burials

This small but significant plot is the final resting place for Savannah’s earliest settlers. The weathered brick tombs scattered throughout the grounds are built with local “Savannah Grays” and imported “Philadelphia” bricks, showcasing early American burial practices.

A weathered bronze plaque marks the grave of Button Gwinnett, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, in Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah, GA. The plaque is mounted low to the ground and slightly tarnished with age, yet the engraved text remains clear. It commemorates Gwinnett's contributions and his brief but significant role in American history. Surrounding the plaque are patches of grass and fallen leaves, with the cemetery’s old tombstones and trees visible in the background, giving the scene a quiet, historical ambiance. — Button Gwinnett is the most famous eternal resident of Colonial Park Cemetery.

Button Gwinnett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, is probably the cemetery’s most famous resident. Gwinnett's life was cut short in 1777 after a duel with political rival Lachlan McIntosh, who, ironically, also rests within these grounds.

McIntosh, a major general in the Continental Army, survived the duel but met his end in 1806 of natural causes.

Another Revolutionary War hero interred here is Samuel Elbert, who fought bravely for American independence and later served as Governor of Georgia. His grave stands as a testament to the state's early leadership.

A large, weathered family vault stands solemnly in Colonial Park Cemetery, marking the final resting place of James Habersham and his family. The stone structure is aged, with moss and ivy creeping along its edges, adding to its historic charm. The vault’s façade is adorned with subtle engravings, and its stone door appears sealed with time. In the background, other historic tombstones and crypts are scattered across the cemetery, surrounded by mature oak trees draped with Spanish moss, creating a peaceful yet haunting atmosphere. — The Habersham family vault is the finally resting place for James Habersham and his sons.

The cemetery is also the resting place of James Habersham, acting royal governor of the Province of Georgia, along with his sons, John and Joseph. John served in the Continental Congress, while Joseph became Postmaster General under three U.S. presidents.

The Habershams owned the Olde Pink House when it was a private residence. Many have claimed to see James’s ghost making his way from his former home to his final resting place in Colonial Park Cemetery.

A modest, weathered gravestone marks the final resting place of Edward Malbone in Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah, GA. The headstone is old and slightly leaning, with faint engravings worn by time. Surrounding the grave, patches of grass and fallen leaves create a serene yet eerie atmosphere. In the distance, other historic graves and crypts, along with towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss, add to the cemetery's quiet, haunting ambiance. The entire scene feels steeped in history, with a touch of melancholy. — Edward Malbone was a celebrated artist who created miniature scenes of historical events in Savannah.

Edward Malbone, America's foremost painter of miniatures, found his eternal rest here in 1807. His delicate artworks captured the essence of early American portraiture.

The Graham Vault stands prominently in Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah, GA, as a large, stone structure with a weathered and aged appearance. The vault’s solid, rectangular form is adorned with subtle engravings and cracks that have formed over time. Moss and ivy creep along the edges, adding a sense of timelessness to the scene. The sealed stone door is heavy and imposing, bearing the name "Graham" faintly etched above it. Surrounding the vault, ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss cast long shadows, while nearby tombstones and crypts complete the quiet, somber atmosphere of the historic cemetery. — The Graham Vault was a temporary interment for Nathanael Greene for 114 years before he was interred in Savannah's Johnson Square.

For a time, the Graham Vault held the remains of Major General Nathanael Greene, George Washington's trusted officer. The Grahams were British sympathizers and had fled Savannah to avoid political persecution causing the vault to be unoccupied.

Greene’s body was moved to Johnson Square in 1902, where it rests today beneath a monument in his honor.

Savannah has a history of disinterring the dearly departed and moving them to a more convenient resting place. The new site may be a square or memorial built specifically for that person.

As you explore, keep an eye out for the mass grave of over 700 victims of the 1820 yellow fever epidemic, a somber reminder of Savannah's tumultuous past.

The Duelist's Grave in Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah, GA, is marked by a simple, weathered headstone, its edges worn and text faded by time. The grave is nestled among other historic markers, but its connection to dueling lore sets it apart. Moss-covered ground and scattered leaves surround the stone, adding to the eerie, forgotten feel of the site. Towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss provide shade, casting soft, haunting shadows across the grave. In the background, other ancient tombstones and crypts, partially obscured by the hanging moss, create a quiet, melancholic atmosphere. — The Duelist's Grave speaks of an antiquated practice of dueling to maintain one's honor.

One of the most unusual is the Duelist's Grave, marked by a plaque recounting the tragic tale of James Wilde and Richard Randolph's fatal duel.

You'll find a fascinating collection of salvaged headstones along the east wall, some with curiously altered dates. During the Civil War, Union soldiers temporarily occupied the grounds, desecrating graves and altering dates on headstones as twisted pranks. Some believe these acts of disrespect awakened the cemetery's spectral residents.

A brick wall in Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah, GA, displays a collection of vandalized and altered grave markers. These weathered headstones, some broken and others defaced, are mounted on the wall as a somber reminder of past desecration. The stones show signs of age, with chipped edges, faded engravings, and some inscriptions barely legible. Moss and ivy grow around the brick wall, adding to the scene’s haunting atmosphere. The surrounding area features old tombstones and towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss, creating a melancholic yet reflective setting in this historic cemetery. — During Sherman's March to the Sea, Union soldiers thought it would be entertaining to vandalize and alter headstones in the cemetery while camped out there.

Paranormal Connections

Rene Rondolier was said to be a towering figure who lived in Savannah during the early 19th century. Described as a giant with a disfigured appearance, locals often blamed him for strange disappearances and brutal attacks.

His legend grew darker as whispers of his involvement in murders spread, though no concrete evidence tied him to the crimes.

A shadowy figure, believed to be the ghost of Rene Rondolier, lurks in the dimly lit corners of Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah, GA. The figure, tall and eerie, blends into the darkness, with only faint, ghostly outlines visible. Draped in mist, the ghost appears to be luring from behind a weathered tombstone, casting an ominous presence. Nearby, gnarled oak trees with long strands of Spanish moss hang low, creating deep shadows across the ground. The scene is both chilling and mysterious, with the flicker of moonlight casting an otherworldly glow over the ancient graves and crypts.

While historians debate the authenticity of Rene's tale, the legend continues to send shivers down the spines of those who dare to explore the grounds after dark.

There is no concrete historical evidence to confirm that Rene Rondolier actually existed. His story is likely a local legend passed down through the years in Savannah.

While the tales of Rondolier describe him as a monstrous figure accused of murdering children and hiding their bodies in the Bonaventure Cemetery, no official records or documents support his existence or the crimes attributed to him.

Like many ghost stories, the legend of Rene Rondolier has likely been exaggerated or entirely fabricated over time, becoming a part of Savannah's rich lore.

In the shadowy depths of Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah, GA, ghostly figures of those who perished in the yellow fever epidemic wander aimlessly. Their translucent forms are faintly visible, drifting between weathered tombstones and crypts. These spectral figures, wrapped in tattered garments, move silently beneath the towering oak trees draped with Spanish moss. The cemetery is bathed in an eerie, dim light, with mist swirling around the graves, casting an otherworldly atmosphere. The chilling presence of these restless spirits lingers in the shadows, evoking a sense of sorrow and mystery. — Yellow fever victims are said to wander the cemetery at night.

One of the most chilling stories involves the countless bodies buried beneath the cemetery, many of which were victims of the 1820 Yellow Fever epidemic.

Visitors often report seeing shadowy figures roaming the grounds, believed to be the spirits of those who died during the epidemic and were hastily buried.

In the eerie darkness of Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah, GA, two ghostly figures are seen reenacting a duel under the pale glow of the moon. The translucent duelists, dressed in period clothing from the 18th century, stand facing each other with pistols drawn. Their ethereal forms glow faintly in the night, casting a spectral light on the surrounding tombstones. The mist swirls around their feet, and the towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss loom overhead, adding to the chilling atmosphere. Nearby gravestones and crypts fade into the shadows, creating a haunting backdrop for this ghostly duel. — Dueling ghosts can be seen at night if you are lucky.

Another ghostly tale revolves around the dueling grounds near the cemetery. Before dueling was outlawed, this area saw many men meet violent ends in affairs of honor.

Some believe that the spirits of these duelists still linger, replaying their final moments in spectral form. Visitors have also claimed to see orbs of light and heard faint gunshots echo through the night.

Colonial Park Cemetery in Savannah, GA, is enveloped in an eerie green mist that clings to the ground and swirls around the weathered tombstones. The mist casts a ghostly glow, shrouding the ancient crypts and leaning headstones in a supernatural haze. Towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss loom above, their branches partially obscured by the thick fog. The green hue of the mist gives the cemetery a haunting, otherworldly feel, as shadows dance among the graves, creating an unsettling and mysterious atmosphere in this historic resting place. — A green mist can be seen among the headstones in this old city cemetery.

Tour groups have recently reported seeing a green eerie mist that's been witnessed floating above the weathered headstones as if the very air is thick with centuries of ghostly energy.

Visiting the Cemetery

Colonial Park Cemetery is conveniently located in the heart of Savannah's Historic District, making it easily accessible for tourists. The cemetery grounds are park-like, but keep in mind it's an old cemetery with potentially uneven surfaces.

A group of visitors takes a walking tour through Colonial Park Cemetery in Savannah, GA. The tour guide, holding a lantern, leads them along narrow paths lined with weathered tombstones and crypts. The towering oak trees overhead are draped in Spanish moss, casting long shadows in the dim light of early evening. The participants listen intently, some with cameras in hand, as the guide shares eerie stories of the cemetery’s haunted past. The atmosphere is quiet and reflective, with the historic grave markers and moss-covered ground adding to the somber, slightly eerie ambiance of the tour. — Walking tours are the best way to learn the cemetery's history.

The cemetery is open daily to pedestrians and leashed pets are welcome. Visiting hours are typically from Dawn to Dusk daily.

Colonial Park Cemetery tours offer a fascinating journey into Savannah’s past that you wouldn’t learn on your own. Tour guides share eerie tales of the cemetery’s notable residents, legends, and ghostly sightings.

The tours blend rich history with chilling stories, making it a must-do for anyone looking to explore the darker side of Savannah.

A collection of weathered vaults and headstones stands solemnly in Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah, GA. The stone vaults, aged and cracked, are adorned with faint engravings, some covered in moss and ivy. Among them, old headstones, leaning and worn, bear inscriptions that have faded over time. The surrounding ground is scattered with fallen leaves, adding to the cemetery’s sense of quiet decay. Towering oak trees with long, flowing strands of Spanish moss cast shadows over the scene, creating a haunting, melancholic atmosphere in this historic burial ground. — The early Colonial burial structures are best seen in person to appreciate the size of the cemetery

Colonial Park Cemetery is a captivating link to Savannah’s early days, blending historical significance with eerie legends. With its notable burials and spine-chilling ghost stories, the cemetery preserves the essence of the city’s past.

Whether you come for the history or the hauntings, a visit to Colonial Park Cemetery offers an unforgettable glimpse into Savannah’s eerie and storied heritage, where the past continues to whisper through the moss-draped oaks and weathered headstones.

If you've visited Colonial Park Cemetery, we'd love to hear about your experience! Share your spooky stories, photos, or any eerie encounters in our Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram. Let’s keep the haunted history alive together!

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