Cemetery Tourism is a Real Thing and it’s Not Just for Halloween
Cemeteries show us our history and teach us about life. They have pretty art and buildings and make us feel connected to the past. Thomson Memorial Cemetery in Thomson, GA, is from the 19th century and was part of a movement to make cemeteries more like parks. People started using cemeteries for fun activities like picnics and family trips.
Cemetery tourists are often interested in the history of a cemetery and the important people buried there. Thomson Memorial Cemetery has a notable resident, former U.S. Senator Thomas E. Watson. He came from a Quaker family in Georgia and became a successful lawyer known for his intelligence and public speaking skills. Watson was elected to the Georgia House in 1882 with support from black voters in his district. He later served in the US Senate and helped pass a bill for Rural Free Delivery. Watson founded Georgia's People's Party and ultimately became a Senator until his death in 1922.
Visiting a cemetery as a tourist might feel strange because you may not know the etiquette. But the good news is, most cemeteries are open to tourists like you.
Here are a few tips to follow:
Before you come, check guidebooks or the cemetery's website. I recommend "Stories in Stone: A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism and Iconography" by Douglas Keister. You can also visit www.thomsonmemorialcemetery.com for more information.
Check for a map. If there's no cemetery office, ask the local Tourism organization. We have self-guided tour brochures for Thomson Memorial Cemetery at our office.
Don't forget your camera. Historic cemeteries have fascinating symbols and messages on tombstones.
Take enough time to explore, think, and find surprising things.
Please be considerate of others nearby; there may be ongoing burials while you're here.
Please dress casually but respectfully, wear comfortable shoes, and be careful of tripping on uneven surfaces or tree roots.
Please do not rest on gravestones. They may not be stable.
Children are invited, but please ensure they are behaving.
Download our self guided tour for Thomson Memorial Cemetery.