Why was Bishop Francis X. Gartland so insistent? The story of the Catholic Cemetery in Savannah begins with his vision. He couldn’t convince city leaders to dedicate a Catholic section in Laurel Grove Cemetery. So, he took matters into his own hands.
In 1853, Bishop Gartland purchased eight and one-third acres from the Rhinehart Plantation. The price was $833.00. This land became the Catholic Cemetery in Savannah. The cemetery officially opened on August 2, 1853.
After its opening, remains from Colonial Park Cemetery were moved here. These were reburied in what we now call the Old Section. Many old stones and markers were also moved at this time. That is why you can see stones that predate the Catholic Cemetery’s existence.
Now, picture this scene. It is November 23, 1864. General Sherman’s troops occupy Savannah after the city’s surrender. The Catholic Cemetery in Savannah becomes their encampment. Sherman orders fortifications built. Cemetery fences are torn down. The sacred grounds are now exposed to vandalism and theft. Graves are desecrated.
But there is hope amidst this destruction. The Sisters of Mercy and local women bravely step in. They rescue the remains of two bishops, two priests, and four sisters. Their actions prevented even greater loss.
It wasn’t until 1867 that the cemetery began to recover. Bishop Augustin Verot appealed to President Andrew Johnson and Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. He urged them to restore the Catholic Cemetery in Savannah to its former state. Thankfully, they listened. The rescued remains were reinterred.
Over time, the Catholic Cemetery in Savannah expanded. Bishop Gerald P. O’Hara purchased the Holy Cross portion in 1934. It sits at the rear of Hillcrest Abby East Cemetery.
Today, the Catholic Cemetery in Savannah is the final resting place for many. Ancestors and family members of Savannah Catholics are buried here. Four bishops and many diocesan priests also rest here. Veterans from various wars are honored here. This includes the Civil War, Spanish-American War, both World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam.
Some of the older sections feature impressive monuments and historical vaults. The Savannah Catholic Cemetery Preservation Society was founded in 2003. Their goal is to preserve and maintain this sacred space. They also compile its history and burial records. They also promote beautification and safety.
The Catholic Cemetery in Savannah is located at 1720 Wheaton Street. It sits between the Harry S. Truman Parkway and the junction of East Gwinnett Street and Skidaway Road. It is next to Hillcrest Abbey Cemetery to the east.
If you want to learn more, the Savannah Catholic Cemetery Preservation Society published a three-volume index. Volume I covers the Old Section. Volume II covers Magnolia and Palmetto sections. It also includes information on 631 Confederate Veterans. Volume III includes the newer sections like Dogwood, Holy Cross, and Gartland. These volumes offer a detailed look at the history within these grounds. The Catholic Cemetery in Savannah stands as a testament to faith and resilience.