Americus Garden Inn

Bed & Breakfast

“where history meets romance…”

Insider's Guide to Oak Grove Cemetery

Established in 1856, the oldest active historic cemetery in the state of Georgia is Oak Grove Cemetery.  For those interested in Civil War history, the Confederate guards from Camp Sumter who died and were buried in the cemetery at Andersonville, were relocated to Oak Grove Cemetery in the area designated as the Confederate Cemetery.

Due to to the tireless efforts of State Senator George Hooks, the cemetery has been recognized twice by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation for excellence in restoration, in 2004 and 2009.  "This cemetery has been totally and completely restored such that we've been able to create a living memorial for subsequent generations. It's a perfect place for individuals, families, and groups ... to come, enjoy a beautiful walk in a park-like setting, and feel the richness of history."  Utilizing prison labor, the old wrought iron, brick work, marble and granite monuments were meticulously refurbished, hundreds of gravesites were preserved. The 1880's fish pond and garden were restored along with the planting of hundreds of camellias and oak trees. 

Many notable Sumter County and Georgia citizens have been laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery.  We've chosen just a few to highlight the rich history of our area.

Wright Brady (1808-1871)

He was one of the original settlers of Americus and in 1865, he was one of three delegates to the statewide convention which repealed the Ordinance of Secession and formally abolished slavery. It has been suggested that he is buried with his horse, but, no one seems to know for certain.

Francis M. Coker (1827-1905)

Dying with a $5 million estate, Francis Coker was reputed to be the richest man in Georgia.  He returned to Americus following the Civil War and was president of First National Bank of Americus.  Later, he became president of the Bank of the State of Georgia in Atlanta.

Charles F. Crisp (1845-1896)

Charles F. Crisp was born in Sheffield, England and served in the Civil War.   He later became the Judge of the Southwestern Judicial Circuit, a United States Congressman representing the 3rd District of Georgia, and ultimately the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives for the 52nd and 53rd Congresses.

Col. Samuel Hugh Hawkins (1835-1905)

Col. Hawkins was a Confederate Calvary Officer who founded the first railroad ever built in Georgia that was privately financed, the Savannah/Americus/Montgomery (SAM) railroad. This railroad was responsible for increasing the population of Americus and broadening its industrial scope substantially.

Mary Elizabeth Myrick Daniels (1835-1891)

Mary Elizabeth Myrick Daniels was one of three founders of Phi Mu Fraternity, established in Macon, Georgia at Wesleyan College in 1852.  Mary is of particular interest to us at the Americus Garden Inn as she is buried in the Daniel family plot.  The original owner of this house was James Kelso Daniel and Mary was married to the only surviving son from the Civil War, Henry Kelso Daniel.  There are many stories as to why the name is misspelled.  We are uncertain of the truth.

For a more detailed history, please click here.

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