After months of careful assessment and restoration following Hurricane Helene, Augusta’s historic cemeteries—Magnolia, Cedar Grove, and West View—are finally reopening to the public. These cemeteries are not just resting places but living testaments to the city’s rich and diverse history. While damage from fallen trees, flooding, and structural instability required extensive work, Augusta officials have put together a phased reopening plan that prioritizes both safety and accessibility.
If you have been waiting to visit a loved one’s grave, the city welcomes you back with open arms. However, those interested in exploring these historic grounds for educational or sightseeing purposes are encouraged to wait until the full reopening in April, allowing families to have priority access during the initial phase.
Phased Reopening Schedule
Since safety remains a top priority, the reopening will happen in stages, allowing officials to manage visitor flow while keeping restricted areas off-limits:
- March 26-28, 2025 (Initial Reopening): Cemeteries will be open for limited hours on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday—8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- March 31, 2025 (Expanded Hours): Cemeteries will open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Weekend visits will be available by appointment only on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.
- April 7, 2025 (Full Reopening): Normal access will resume, though visitors must sign in at the front office, and staff will continue monitoring any unsafe areas.
To enter, all visitors must sign a waiver upon arrival, acknowledging that some areas are still undergoing restoration. Cemetery staff will be on-site to guide visitors and ensure no one enters restricted zones.
The Stories Behind the Headstones
Augusta’s cemeteries are more than just burial sites; they are pages of history set in stone. Each one tells a different chapter of Augusta’s past, from Civil War generals and community leaders to the untold stories of enslaved individuals and immigrant workers.
Magnolia Cemetery: A Walk Through Time
Founded in 1818, Magnolia Cemetery is one of Augusta’s most historic burial grounds, covering over 60 acres of land. It is home to some of the city’s most famous figures, including seven Confederate generals, veterans of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and both World Wars, and even Augusta’s early mayors. The cemetery’s grand mausoleums, ornate headstones, and weathered statues tell stories of a bygone era. Walking through Magnolia feels like stepping into the past, where each grave holds a piece of the city’s history.
Cedar Grove Cemetery: Augusta’s African American Legacy
Few cemeteries in Georgia hold as much African American history as Cedar Grove Cemetery. Established in 1818, it was initially designated as a burial ground for enslaved individuals. Today, it serves as a powerful reminder of Augusta’s past, with gravestones and markers that date back over 180 years. The cemetery is the final resting place of generations of Black community leaders, educators, and military veterans, reflecting both the struggles and triumphs of Augusta’s African American population. Many graves remain unmarked, telling silent stories of those who were not given recognition in life but whose legacies endure.
West View Cemetery: A Community’s Resting Place
The youngest of the three cemeteries, West View Cemetery, was established in 1900 to accommodate the growing population of Augusta’s mill workers and their families. Unlike Magnolia, which was reserved for Augusta’s wealthier citizens, West View became the burial ground for everyday people—laborers, soldiers, immigrants, and children. West View is unique in its diversity. There is a section dedicated to Chinese immigrants, reflecting Augusta’s once-thriving Chinese community. Another area is set aside for paupers, ensuring that even those without wealth were given a dignified resting place. Additionally, a large portion of the cemetery is reserved for military veterans, honoring their service with rows of uniform headstones.
Visiting These Sacred Grounds
While Augusta’s cemeteries are places of mourning and remembrance, they are also places of learning and reflection. The city understands that many history enthusiasts and tourists are eager to visit, but during the initial reopening phase, the priority is to provide families with a peaceful space to grieve and reconnect with their loved ones. If your visit is not for personal remembrance, waiting until the full reopening on April 7 will ensure a more complete and enriching experience.
To ensure a smooth visit:
- Check the schedule before heading out, especially during the phased reopening.
- Sign in and sign the waiver upon arrival.
- Follow staff guidance and respect any restricted areas.
- Schedule an appointment for weekend visits during the expanded hours period.
For further information or to make an appointment, contact:
- Cedar Grove Cemetery: (706) 821-1748
- Magnolia Cemetery: (706) 821-1746
- West View Cemetery: (706) 733-6741
As Augusta continues its recovery from Hurricane Helene, the reopening of these cemeteries marks an important step in preserving the city’s history and honoring those who came before us. Whether you have personal ties to those buried here or plan to visit for historical exploration, these cemeteries hold stories waiting to be discovered—and the best time for sightseeing will be once the full reopening is complete.
