History

The Decatur Cemetery is the oldest burial ground in the Metro Atlanta Area, and is believed to have been used even before Decatur's 1823 incorporation. In 1852, an act by the local legislature created “Commissioners for the Decatur Burial Ground.” Numerous Civil War veterans were buried in the Decatur Cemetery, mostly in the 8 acres (3.2 ha) region now referred to as, "The Old Cemetery". The Cemetery's "Well House" was built in 1881.

The Cemetery Today

The Decatur Cemetery has expanded to 38 acres (15.4 ha) and contains well over 20,000 graves. A special section exists for cremated burials, and the Cemetery contains a pond stocked with fish. Canada Geese frequent the Cemetery during various parts of the year, and group of Mallard

Mallard

The Mallard , or Wild Duck , is a dabbling duck which breeds throughout the temperate and subtropical Americas, Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and has been introduced to New Zealand and Australia....

 ducks live there year round. The Cemetery is bordered by a several acre forest, which borders the Glennwood Estates (Decatur)

Glennwood Estates (Decatur)

Glennwood Estates is an historic neighborhood located in the northeast section of the Atlanta, Georgia suburb of Decatur. It includes residences, a nature preserve and an adjoining city park. It is known for its spacious single-family homes and lots, which were comparatively large for the 1920’s....

 neighborhood.

Notable Graves

• Col. Milton A Candler (1837–1909); local legislator and congressman
• Dr Thomas Holly Chivers (1806–1858); Doctor and Poet
• Mary A.H. Gay (1828–1918); Author of Life in Dixie During the War
• Charles Murphey (1799–18610); local legislator, congressman, and a delegate to the Georgia Secession Convention.
• Col. George Washington Scott (1829–1903); founder of Agnes Scott College
  Agnes Scott College
  Agnes Scott College is a private undergraduate college in the United States. Agnes Scott's campus lies in downtown Decatur, Georgia, nestled inside the perimeter of the bustling metro-Atlanta area....
  
  
• Benjamin F. Swanton (1807–1890); builder of the historic Swanton House