I do not know when the cemetery was founded, but based on the markers and death dates, I believe it was started right after the Civil War. There’s a mixture of Victorian and handmade markers.
While many cemeteries have separate sections for Black and white people that are remnants of segregation, this is the only cemetery I’ve visited where there are physical markers denoting the the Black and white sides.
Oral history states that the church started in 1812 in a log cabin on the current property. The cemetery has been in existence since approximately the same time. The church and cemetery were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
Casey’s Hill Cemetery, at the back of Crestlawn Cemetery, is a family cemetery for John Casey. Even though you access the cemetery through Crestlawn, it is not officially cared for by Crestlawn. It’s best to visit when it is cold because of all the vegetation. John Casey and family lived on top of this hill. It has experienced neglect over the years, but it has been cleaned periodically through the years.
Henry Haney, fifteen year old fireman, is buried here. He was a part of the “The Great Locomotive Chase.” Additionally, Chief Investigator Bert Donaldson is buried here who was shot and killed during an ambush attack during an investigation. His accused murderers were cleared of all charges.
Located on the edge of a park and in the shadows of Buckhead, Mount Olive Cemetery is one of the last tangible pieces of the Black community known as Macedonia Park. Founded after the Civil War of freed men and women, the neighborhood thrived for several decades. It is in desperate need of attention.
I love this sign for the Folk Art Restaurant in Atlanta.
