Savannah: Colonial Park Cemetery Tour & Local Stories

Summary

Walk Savannah’s oldest cemetery, hear real stories and legends

You’ll walk Savannah’s Colonial Park Cemetery with a local guide who brings old stones and lost names to life. Hear real tales of duels, rituals, epidemics, and everyday people who shaped the city. Expect quiet moments under mossy oaks—and maybe a story or two that lingers long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide right at the old iron gates of Colonial Park Cemetery—he wore a faded hat and had this way of talking like he was letting you in on secrets. The air smelled like moss and stone, kind of cool even though the sun was out. Right away he pointed to some cracked headstones leaning together, said they were older than most houses in Savannah. I tried to read one but the letters were worn down, almost soft under my fingers.

We wandered through rows of graves while our guide—Shannon, I think—told us about duels that happened right there in the open. He described how crowds would gather for public meetings or even executions (which honestly gave me chills). At one point, he paused by a grave shaded by a twisted oak and told us about Yellow Fever turning the place into a mass grave back in 1853. I didn’t expect to feel so much standing there—it’s weirdly quiet except for birds and the sound of someone sweeping leaves nearby.

There were stories about everyone from generals to paupers buried here, plus two Declaration signers I’d never heard of before (I probably should have paid more attention in history class). Shannon also talked about root doctors and old rituals—Li laughed when I tried to say “Hoodoo” in Mandarin; probably butchered it. We passed by what used to be the city jail and the birthplace of Conrad Aiken. The tour felt less like a history lesson and more like walking through layers of people’s lives—sometimes sad, sometimes just odd.

I still think about that moment when sunlight came through Spanish moss above Greene’s grave, just quiet for a second while everyone listened. If you’re curious about Savannah beyond the pretty streets, this cemetery tour is where you’ll feel it most—even if you leave with more questions than answers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour Savannah's Colonial Park Cemetery

• Visit Savannah's oldest cemetery
• Hear stories of historic characters
• See The Old City Jail
• View Conrad Aiken Birthplace
• Explore Negro Burial Ground
• Observe Henry Ford Fire Dept

Top questions

Is Colonial Park Cemetery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the cemetery is wheelchair accessible throughout the tour route.

How long does the Colonial Park Cemetery tour last?

The guided visit typically lasts around 90 minutes depending on group pace.

Are children allowed on this Savannah cemetery tour?

Yes, children can join; infants and small kids may ride in prams or strollers.

Does this tour include entry fees?

Yes, entrance to Colonial Park Cemetery is included with your booking.

Will we see other sites besides graves?

The tour also covers nearby highlights like The Old City Jail and Conrad Aiken Birthplace.

Is public transportation available near Colonial Park Cemetery?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the cemetery entrance.

Are service animals permitted on this tour?

Service animals are allowed during the narrated walk through the cemetery grounds.

What’s included

Your day includes entrance to Savannah’s Colonial Park Cemetery plus a narrated walking tour led by a local guide who shares stories behind the graves and nearby landmarks—you just meet at the gate and everything else is taken care of from there.