‘Midnight in the Garden’ Bonaventure Cemetery

Written by Gracie Williams/Photos by Nick Thomsen/Illustrated by Aleyna Moeller

Some people take their secrets to the grave, and while that may be the case for many of the former Savannah residents that are now in Bonaventure Cemetery, there are a few buried secrets that have risen to the surface. Located about ten minutes from downtown, it is often overlooked but holds just as much beauty and mystery as any other historic Savannah site.

Bonaventure Cemetery began as a privately owned plantation in the late 18th century, and was passed along by many owners until it was purchased by the City of Savannah in 1907. The cemetery then expanded from its original 70 acres, and now covers over 100 acres.

In John Berendt’s novel “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” Bonaventure Cemetery plays a significant role in the story. The narrator is introduced to the cemetery through an eccentric local. They sit on Pulitzer-Prize winning poet Conrad Aiken’s bench, which overlooks the Wilmington River and drink martinis in his honor. Later in the story, Minerva practices voodoo over Danny Hansford’s grave in order for Jim Williams to be exonerated.

The cemetery is featured in Clint Eastwood’s 1997 film adaptation, and many scenes were filmed in the actual location. The opening scene of the film winds through the rows of Live Oaks dripping with Spanish moss and shows many notable statues and graves. The world-famous lyricist Johnny Mercer is buried there, and his grave had a feature in the film. The famous song title “And The Angels Sing” inscribed on the front of the grave make it hard to miss.

Contrary to the story and film, the grave of Danny Hansford is not located in the cemetery. Hansford is buried in the nearby Greenwich Cemetery and many still visit him today. Some leave miniature racing cars on his grave, in honor of Hansford’s beloved car. It is also mistakenly believed that Jim Williams is buried in Bonaventure. He too is buried somewhere else, in his hometown of Gordon, Georgia.

Today, many “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” enthusiasts flock to the cemetery to see the captivating setting as described by Berendt in the novel. The fascination with this cemetery might bewilder some, but it is not difficult to understand why many find solace within its gates.

Tours are given through the Bonaventure Historical Society, whose main purpose focuses on the preservation of the cemetery. On the second weekend of every month, they provide free guided tours where you can receive a detailed account of the history. If you plan to explore on your own, John Brannen, Cemetery Information & Events Coordinator for the Department of Cemeteries, has some helpful advice.

“Monday through Friday, the department of cemeteries is in the building, and anyone who comes in can get maps as well as pamphlets that are left by the Bonaventure Historical Society. That way visitors can get oriented to see the older Victorian section, which is where most people want to visit,” Brannen said.

Bonaventure Cemetery is a haven for the dead, but more so for the living. So, take some time to visit, and enjoy the haunting beauty of the graves and the breathtaking scenery. You never know how many secrets are buried and waiting to be revealed.

For more information on the historic Bonaventure Cemetery, visit http://www.bonaventurehistorical.org.

Edited by Nick Thomsen