South-View Cemetery Association

In the late 1800's, during the years of reconstruction following the end of the American Civil War, former slaves and their free-born children began to establish a respectful and dignified way of life for their families throughout the south. This was particularly true in Atlanta, Georgia, which had been destroyed by the fires of General William T. Sherman on his famous March to the Sea. As the newly-freed Blacks began to build schools to educate their children, hospitals to care for their sick, and businesses to provide goods and services for their communities, they also created a dignified resting place to honor their loved ones. Blacks had grown tired of the disrespect they were forced to endure in order to bury their family members and friends. They had to enter cemeteries through back gates, and even wade through swamps to conduct funeral services. They were told If you don't' like it, start your own cemetery. And so they did. In February 1886, nine courageous Black businessmen including Jacob McKinley, George W. Graham, Robert Grant, Charles H. Morgan, John Render and Albert Watts petitioned the State of Georgia for a charter to establish a cemetery. The charter was granted in April of the same year and the legacy of South-View Cemetery began.