Tucked into the heart of one of Georgia’s busiest cities lies an unexpected sanctuary. The Decatur Cemetery was established in 1823 and is now a sprawling 58-acre sanctuary where the past and present converge. It’s not only Decatur’s oldest public burial ground, but also its largest downtown green space, offering a peaceful blend of history, ecology, and community.
Cemetery Specialist, Zack Ray, and The Friends of Decatur Cemetery Chair, Rhonda Wildman, are two of the passionate stewards preserving this living legacy. “It really is a place for everyone,” Wildman says, noting the cemetery’s popularity among walkers, dog lovers, and even high school couples. “It's a sanctuary in more ways than one.”
October is a particularly vibrant time at the cemetery, not just because of the beautiful fall foliage. A long-awaited photo exhibit will be unveiled on October 4, timed in coordination with a literary-themed walking tour for the Decatur Book Festival. The show will highlight community-submitted images that capture the beauty of the grounds, from quiet stairways to cascading creeks.
The exhibit will close on Veterans Day, November 11—a date with deep roots at the cemetery. “We’ve honored veterans at the cemetery for 80 years,” says Wildman. Nearly 1,000 graves receive flags during the commemorative events, in accordance with a tradition that predates Veterans Day itself.
Beyond ceremonies and storytelling, the cemetery also reflects resilience. Decades-old cobblestone roads, once buried under asphalt, are being hand-restored by volunteers. There's even a community orchard partnership with Food Well Alliance, reinforcing the idea that this place isn’t just for remembrance, but also for renewal.
Looking ahead, Wildman and Ray hope to see Decatur Cemetery officially recognized as a historic district by the City of Decatur, ensuring its protection for generations to come. “The more people come in, the more they’re invested,” says Wildman. “This place will always be protected.”