LAGRANGE, Ga. (April 29, 2026) –The historic Mulberry Street Cemetery in LaGrange, Ga. has been awarded an Excellence in Preservation Award from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. The honor celebrates outstanding achievements in historic preservation in Georgia and was presented duringthe 49th annual Preservation Awards Ceremony in Marietta.
“We are incredibly honored to have received this significant preservation award,” says Kathy Tilley, president of Visit LaGrange. “This recognition reflects the collective dedication of our communitywho came together with a shared vision to honor, restoreand tell the story of this historic site. This project is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and a deep commitment to preserving our shared heritage.”
The five-year restoration of the Mulberry Street Cemeterywas completed in the summer of 2025. It is the final resting place for more than 300 Confederate veterans, over 1,000 unmarked graves believed to belong to enslaved African Americans, and renowned bridge builder, legislator, and architect Horace King, who was formerly enslaved. The revitalized site integrates meaningful educational elements, highlights both regional and local history, and provides a space for reflection, learning, and community engagement. Enhancements include a newly constructed boardwalk, improved landscaping, preservation of historic markers, and interpretive features that offer visitors a deeper understanding of the cemetery’s historical significance within the broader narrative of LaGrange.
The restoration was a collaborative effort among Visit LaGrange, the City of LaGrange and The Troup County Archives. The completed project underscores the City of LaGrange’s commitment to preserving local history and providing inclusive public spaces that invite reflection, connection and understanding. The restoration was made possible through a $1.8 million grant from the Governor’s Office of Georgia.
For more information about the Mulberry Street Cemetery project, please visit www.mulberrystreetcemetery.org or https://www.georgiatrust.org/preservation-awards/mulberry-street-cemetery/
Other recipients of the Georgia Trust for Historic PreservationAwards include theRome Clock Tower in Rome; Forsyth Park Fountain in Savannah; the Historic Oakland Foundation in Atlanta; Old Post Office in Bainbridge; and The Allison Building in Americus. For nearly 50 years, the Trust has recognized preservation projects and individuals throughout Georgia who have made significant contributions to the field of historic preservation. Awards are based on the contributions of the person or project to the community and/or state and on compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.To learn more about the Georgia Trust and the Preservation Awards, visit www.georgiatrust.org.
About LaGrange
An hour south of Atlanta, the city of LaGrange’s Southern charm, rich history and sunny green spaces make this West Central Georgia community shine. A lovely downtown area is filled with unique shops and restaurants all within an easy walk from each other, making for a perfect easygoing weekend escape for families, couples or the solo traveler. Enjoy the city’s easygoing spirit while exploring musical venues, art museums, vintage boutiques, storied landmarks, restaurants and more, all connected by the Thread, a 29-mile lush greenway for biking, walking and running. For more information, please visit www.visitlagrange.com. Follow @VisitLaGrange on Instagram and X and connect on Facebook.com/VisitLaGrangefor the latest news.
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