If you’re ever wandering the romantic, moss-draped streets of historic Savannah, Georgia, there’s one place that refuses to rest quietly—Colonial Park Cemetery. Located just off Oglethorpe Avenue and nestled in the heart of one of America’s most haunted cities, this historic burial ground serves as a captivating crossroads of deep southern history and haunted legend. From Revolutionary War heroes to victims of yellow fever, over 9,000 souls are said to lie beneath its soil—and not all of them are at peace. Whether you’re a die-hard history buff, a wandering spirit seeker, or just looking for that perfect macabre Instagram moment, Colonial Park is more than just a stop on a ghost tour; it’s a supernatural time capsule waiting to be explored.
The History
Establishment and Early Days
Colonial Park Cemetery was established in 1750 during Savannah’s colonial period, making it one of the oldest cemeteries in Georgia. Originally called the Christ Church Parish Burial Ground, it began as a modest field before expanding to its current size of about six acres. Its location, now tightly framed by modern life and bustling tourism, once stood on the outskirts of the original colonial settlement.
The cemetery quickly became the final resting place for many of Savannah’s most prominent early citizens, including political figures, soldiers, and merchants. As wars and epidemics swept through the young colonies, the cemetery grew to accommodate the mounting death toll.
The American Revolution and Beyond
One of the most historically significant aspects of Colonial Park Cemetery is its association with the American Revolutionary War. Several key patriots, including Button Gwinnett—one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence—are interred here. In fact, Gwinnett’s tomb is a popular spot for visitors and ghost hunters alike.
Following the war, the cemetery continued to serve as Savannah’s primary burial ground through the 1800s, until it closed officially for new interments in 1853. By this time, over 9,000 people had reportedly been buried within the grounds, though due to record inconsistencies and mass graves during epidemics, it’s believed the actual number could be far higher.
The Yellow Fever Epidemics
In the 19th century, Savannah faced several devastating yellow fever outbreaks. The summer months became a time of dread as the illness swept through the region, claiming thousands of lives. Many of those who fell victim were buried quickly and sometimes anonymously in Colonial Park Cemetery, leading to a plethora of erroneously marked or unmarked graves.
This was a period of chaos and urgency, which may explain why many of the spirits said to reside there are described as confused or unrestful. Adding to the mystery, headstones were often reused or moved due to limited materials and space constraints, further contributing to the site’s eerie distortions in geography and memory.
The Civil War and Aftermath
During the Civil War, Union troops occupied Savannah beginning in 1864. Though they respected most public property, incidents of vandalism occurred in the cemetery. Soldiers reportedly altered gravestones—either as pranks or acts of disrespect—leading to bizarre dates that suggest people lived decades, even centuries longer than humanly possible. Some engraved epitaphs from this period read more like riddles than gravestones.
Years later, in an attempt to preserve what remained, local historical societies began restoration efforts. While many markers were placed along the cemetery’s brick walls due to unknown original locations, it’s admitted that these adjustments were mostly guesses based on whatever records could be salvaged. Today, these stone-filled walls—known colloquially as “the wall of monuments”—are symbolic of a larger enigma: whose bones lie where?
The Haunt
If you sense a chill or feel unseen eyes watching you while walking through Colonial Park Cemetery, rest assured—you’re not alone. Dozens of paranormal reports have surfaced over the years, making it a hot spot on nearly every ghost tour in Savannah. But what’s fact? What’s folklore? Let’s dive into some of the most spine-tingling accounts.
Ghostly Apparitions
One of the most frequently reported phenomena in Colonial Park Cemetery involves full-bodied apparitions dressed in colonial-era clothing. Tour guides and wanderers alike have described seeing faint figures gliding through the headstones before vanishing into thin air. Visitors have claimed to see shadowy men in tricorner hats, women in long dresses, and even a child who appears briefly before disappearing near one particular tree.
Paranormal investigators often bring thermal cameras and EVP recorders in hopes of capturing something extraordinary, and Colonial Park rarely disappoints.
The Restless Ghost of Button Gwinnett
As a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a figure of political intrigue, Button Gwinnett is said to be one of the cemetery’s most famous unrested spirits. After a duel with political rival Lachlan McIntosh, Gwinnett succumbed to his wounds and was buried hastily, with conflicting records about his exact resting place. His ghost is said to prowl the cemetery, possibly seeking recognition—or perhaps revenge.
Creeping Shadows and Ectoplasmic Evidence
Numerous nighttime visitors have reported unusual shadows that don’t correspond with any light sources. These often dart from tree to tree or linger ominously near the wall of monuments. Paranormal groups who have conducted overnight studies report flashes of cold, inexplicable EMF spikes, and orbs captured on film.
Some have even claimed to feel a sudden cold grasp on their arms—only to look around and find no one nearby. Others recall phones or cameras dying unexpectedly upon entering the grounds, only to power back on in full charge once they exit.
The Guardian Spirit
One curious tale speaks of a figure believed to be a “guardian spirit.” Described as a tall man in a dark cloak, he reportedly appears to children or those acting disrespectfully within the cemetery. Witnesses say this entity doesn’t just watch—he moves purposefully, leaving an unmistakable trail of ominous energy behind. Legend says it’s a former keeper of the cemetery boundaries, still dutifully performing his tasks beyond the grave.
EVPs and Otherworldly Audio
Electronic Voice Phenomena—EVPs—are among the most compelling types of paranormal evidence. At Colonial Park Cemetery, numerous recordings have revealed voices whispering names, saying “get out,” or even responding directly to questions. Local paranormal teams often encourage ghost hunters to ask respectful, open-ended questions and always record their sessions. You never know what you might capture once you listen back in the silence of your own haunted hotel room.
Conclusion: Why Ghost Hunters Should Visit Colonial Park Cemetery
Whether you’re investigating the paranormal or exploring America’s colonial roots, Colonial Park Cemetery offers an unforgettable experience. It’s a historically rich, supernaturally charged spot where the veil between the past and present seems unusually thin. Savannah’s blend of swampy charm and tragic history makes it an ideal location for spirits to linger—and Colonial Park is the epicenter of that otherworldly energy.
Ghost hunters will find endless opportunities here: atmospheric visuals, true historical mysteries, and a nearly constant stream of unexplained phenomena. Just be sure to visit after dusk, when the gates close but the stories come to life along the perimeter fence, in the flickering shadows of Spanish moss.
So grab your recorder, pack your EMF reader, and perhaps bring a friend—because an investigation into Colonial Park Cemetery is one journey into the unknown you won’t want to take alone.