LAGRANGE, Ga. (June 2025) – The Mulberry Street Cemetery restoration project, a major initiative aimed at revitalizing, preserving and highlighting the historical significance of the Mulberry Street Cemeteryin LaGrange, Georgia, will celebrate its grand opening on July 24.The historic cemetery is home to more than 300 Confederate veterans; more than 1,000 unmarked graves of people believed to be African American; the burial site of renowned bridge builder, legislator and architect Horace King; and a King covered bridge. This project incorporates educational elements, showcases regional and local history, and creates a space for shared community engagement.
The Mulberry Street Cemetery holds a special place in the heart of LaGrange, serving as a poignant reminder of the city’s rich heritage. Dating back to 1863, it has been the final resting place for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including soldiers from all 11 official states of the Confederacy including enslaved orderlies who played a vital role during the Civil War.
Through meticulous research and collaborative efforts among the City of LaGrange, Visit LaGrange and the Troup County Archives, approximately 1,000 unmarked graves have been identified. Those laid to rest are believed to be African Americans who were buried between 1863and 1930. While the people interred herecannot be exhumed and identified, each will be honored with a markeras part of the restoration initiative. The Troup CountyArchives has takenmeasures to work with the local community to identify possible living relatives of those laid to restand will continue to build on these efforts as the project progresses.
“The City of LaGrange should be proud of the time and effort invested to revitalize and to convey the full significance of the Mulberry Street Cemetery,”said Mary Joseph, African American Programs Coordinator at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.“This effort is vital for all to enjoy the space and also to understand its important history.”
Notably, the cemetery is hometo the grave of Horace King, a renowned 19th-century bridge builder, architect and legislator. Born into slavery, King’s remarkable journey from bondage to becoming one of the most respected builders in the South is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the human spirit. King’s legacy includes the construction of at least 125 bridges across the region, highlightinghis engineering prowess. One major projectwas the Wehadkee Covered Bridge, built by King in Troup County in 1873. Although destroyed by a flood in 1886, King’s son George reconstructed it using his father’s design, and part of the bridge was later relocated to Callaway Gardens in 1965 to preserve it further.In 2022, the bridge was returned to Troup County and installed at the Mulberry Street Cemetery to connect LaGrange’s recreational Thread trail to the cemetery over Cary Branch Creek.Horace King’s legacy, along with that of his son Marshal, is immortalized at Mulberry Street Cemetery, marked by a distinguished granite monument.
The revitalization of The Mulberry Street Cemetery includes the installation of a boardwalk, landscaping enhancements, and the preservation of existing historical markers. The project incorporates educational components to promote a deeper understanding of the cemetery’s significance within the context of LaGrange’s history.
The revitalization of the Mulberry Street Cemetery exemplifies the City of LaGrange’s dedication to preserving its rich history and creating inclusive spaces for all members of the community to gather, reflect and learn.Visit LaGrange received a $1.8 million grant from the Governor’s Office of Georgia for the development of the project.
For more information on the Mulberry Street Cemetery project, please visit www.mulberrystreetcemetery.org.
About LaGrange Located 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 Twitter and connect on Facebook.com/VisitLaGrange for the latest news.
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