Laurel Grove South Cemetery
In 1853 Savannah reserved 4 acres in the New Laurel Grove Cemetery for the city’s African American community. This new burial ground replaced an older black cemetery and several bodies were moved to the new location. Many of Savannah’s prominent black leaders, educators, civic/community leaders, Masons, politicians, entrepreneurs and religious leaders are buried in Laurel Grove south. It continues in use today.
Some prominent graves include:
Andrew Bryan - founder of the First Colored Baptist Church.
Henry Cunningham - founder of the Second Baptist Church.
Reverend James Porter – opened a school for blacks.
Old Tom – a veteran of the Civil War serving for the Confederates.
Reverend Alexander Harris – one of the most powerful black religious and civil rights figures during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Reverend James M. Simms – First procter of Savannah State University.
Sol C. Johnson – Newspaper publisher and prominent citizen.
