Who rests beneath these quiet stones? Westview Cemetery in Atlanta Georgia holds countless stories. It is the largest civilian cemetery in the Southeast. Established in October 1884 it spans over 582 acres. More than 125000 people are buried here. Its history is rich and complex.
Westview Cemetery wasn’t built on empty land. The Battle of Ezra Church a pivotal Civil War battle took place here. Twenty years later the first burial occurred. Helen Livingston Haskins became Westview’s first resident. The cemetery initially had distinct sections. These included Laurel Hill Terrace Hill and Rest Haven an African-American section. God’s Acre served as a pauper’s section until 1925.
Edward P McBurney a capitalist and financier led the cemetery’s early years. He oversaw the creation of a permanent receiving vault in 1888. This was essential for storing bodies. It was especially useful during harsh winters. Families could then select plots when the ground was not frozen.
Westview’s story is also one of architectural marvels. The Romanesque Revival gatehouse built in 1890 is a stunning example. The architect Walter T Downing designed it. It housed a waiting room toilets and a secretary’s office. The Westview Floral Company operated greenhouses on the property. These supplied flowers and provided landscape services. The only remaining artifacts are a water tower and the Burford holly a plant discovered in 1895.
Asa Candler Jr son of the Coca-Cola founder dramatically shaped Westview. He built the Garden of Memories and Westview Abbey. The abbey is an impressive structure. It houses 11444 crypts and is a significant architectural achievement. He also created Lake Palmyra. It once held a statue of Zenobia in Chains. This was removed later. Candler’s influence extended to an administration building. This also featured his large private trophy room.
Ownership changed hands several times. In 1951 Westview Cemetery officially changed its spelling from West View. The cemetery became a non-profit in 1952. Frank Bowen oversaw expansions including new memorial park sections. Segregation ended officially in 1970. A new administration building opened in 1975. Westview Cemetery continues to be an active cemetery. It remains a significant historical landmark and filming location. So many stories are woven into this peaceful landscape. Each tombstone speaks volumes of lives lived. Westview Cemetery is more than just a resting place. It is a living testament to Atlanta’s past.