Westview Cemetery, Atlanta

Westview Cemetery was founded in 1884 and covers over 580 acres, making it one of the largest cemeteries in the southeastern United States. The final resting place of many notable Atlantans, including mayors, governors, civil rights leaders, and other prominent figures in the city's history, Westview Cemetery's landscape is marked by rolling hills, verdant greenery, and serene ponds.

The cemetery's historical significance is further amplified by its association with several pivotal moments in Atlanta's history. It was the site of the 1906 Atlanta Race Riot, during which white mobs attacked black residents and businesses in the surrounding area. In the aftermath of the riot, many of the black victims were buried here.

Westview Cemetery is also known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along its winding paths and take in the impressive collection of trees and other flora.

One of the most notable structures is the main gate, which is one of the oldest standing structures in Atlanta. The mausoleum, which is closed, is a knockout piece of architecture and enjoyable to explore from the outside, making one feel like they are in Italy, rather than a large Southern city.

The Westview Abby is another important structure, built in 1943, which houses 11,444 entombments and space for cremated remains. The chapel is adorned with 27 stained glass panels that depict Jesus Christ's life from nativity through crucifixion and resurrection. The Receiving Tomb, built in 1888, once held bodies waiting to be processed and buried. It was also used to house an excess of bodies during the Spanish influenza outbreak in 1918.

Meanwhile, the Water Tower, often mistaken for a battlefield look-out point, was actually used to hold water, and features a crenelated adornment at the top, making it look more like a castle than a water tower.

Overall, Westview Cemetery is a significant landmark in Atlanta, offering a peaceful and respectful final resting place for its residents and an important connection to the city's past.