Riverside Cemetery | Macon

Overview and Historical Significance

Riverside Cemetery is one of Macon’s most historic and prominent cemeteries, established in 1887. Covering approximately 125 acres, it is a prime example of the rural cemetery movement that was popular in the 19th century—a design philosophy that sought to create burial grounds as landscaped, park-like settings where people could reflect in a serene environment. Situated on a bluff overlooking the Ocmulgee River, Riverside Cemetery combines natural beauty with historical depth, making it a significant cultural and historical landmark within the city.

The cemetery serves as the final resting place for over 19,000 individuals, including veterans from multiple American wars, local political and civic leaders, educators, religious figures, and influential families that helped shape Macon’s history. The site itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, emphasizing its architectural, cultural, and historical importance.

Design and Landscape Architecture

Riverside Cemetery’s layout and landscaping were designed by Calvert Vaux, a prominent 19th-century landscape architect best known for co-designing New York City’s Central Park along with Frederick Law Olmsted. Vaux’s design philosophy aimed to create naturalistic, peaceful settings that combined curvilinear pathways, rolling terrain, and open vistas.

The cemetery features winding, gently curving roads and walking paths that follow the natural contours of the land. This creates a sense of flow and tranquility, encouraging visitors to leisurely explore the grounds.

The terrain includes rolling hills, mature trees, and lush greenery, contributing to a park-like atmosphere.

Elevated points, such as the bluffs overlooking the Ocmulgee River, offer dramatic views and serve as contemplative spaces.

The landscape incorporates a variety of native plants, with mature oak, magnolia, pine, and other trees adding to the historic ambiance.

A notable historic feature within the cemetery is a Civil War-era redoubt (a small defensive earthwork fortification). Built in 1864 under the command of Confederate General Howell Cobb, this redoubt overlooks the Violet section of the cemetery and adds a tangible link to the region’s Civil War history.

Notable Interments and Memorials

Riverside Cemetery is the burial site of many individuals whose lives and contributions are woven into the fabric of Macon and Georgia history. Some of the most notable include:

John Fletcher Hanson (1840–1910): Often called the "Father of Georgia Tech," Hanson was a major industrialist and politician who played a key role in founding the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1885, which is now a leading public research university.

William Lawrence “Young” Stribling Jr. (1904–1933): A world-renowned heavyweight boxer from Macon, Stribling amassed a remarkable career with 126 knockouts and was considered one of the top fighters of his era before his untimely death at age 28.

William Arthur Fickling Sr. (1903–1990): A prominent local businessman and philanthropist, Fickling was instrumental in initiating the annual Macon Cherry Blossom Festival by promoting the planting of Yoshino cherry trees across the city, an enduring symbol of Macon’s identity.

Hazel Jane Raines (1916–1956): Known as Georgia’s “First Lady of Flight,” Raines was the first woman in the state to earn a commercial pilot’s license. During World War II, she served as a ferry pilot, transporting military aircraft as part of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program.

Emory Speer (1848–1918): A U.S. District Judge noted for his progressive and fair rulings, Speer also served as dean of Mercer University Law School, contributing to legal education and judicial reform.

Beyond individual graves, Riverside Cemetery contains numerous family plots, mausoleums, monuments, and memorials that illustrate the social and architectural trends of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Cultural and Community Role

Riverside Cemetery functions not only as a burial ground but also as a cultural and historic resource for the community. It offers a quiet, contemplative environment for reflection and remembrance, while its well-preserved grounds provide insight into Macon’s local history and genealogy.

The cemetery is incorporated into the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail, which connects several historical and natural sites around Macon, making it accessible for walkers, cyclists, and history enthusiasts.

Educational programs and community events organized by the Riverside Cemetery Conservancy, a nonprofit established in 2007, actively promote preservation and historical awareness. One of their signature events, “Spirits in October,” features reenactments where costumed actors portray notable figures buried at Riverside Cemetery, bringing history to life and drawing visitors to explore the grounds.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Location:
Riverside Cemetery is located at 1301 Riverside Drive, Macon, Georgia, positioned conveniently near downtown Macon and easily accessible by car or bike.

Hours:
The cemetery is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., providing ample time for visitors to explore during daylight hours.

Guided and Self-Guided Tours:
Visitors can obtain maps and brochures at the entrance for self-guided tours, which highlight significant gravesites and historical landmarks. The conservancy also organizes special guided tours and educational events.

Amenities:
While primarily a historic cemetery, the grounds are maintained with walking paths, benches, and shaded areas for quiet reflection. There are no commercial facilities on-site, preserving the cemetery’s solemn atmosphere.

Preservation and Conservation

The Riverside Cemetery Conservancy is dedicated to the ongoing preservation, restoration, and interpretation of the cemetery’s grounds, monuments, and historical artifacts. Their work includes:

Restoring and maintaining aging headstones and monuments.

Protecting the landscape from natural and human-caused deterioration.

Educating the public about the cemetery’s history and significance.

Hosting fundraising events to support conservation efforts.

These preservation efforts ensure that Riverside Cemetery remains a respectful and enduring memorial site, safeguarding Macon’s heritage for future generations.

Summary

Riverside Cemetery stands as a remarkable example of 19th-century landscape design combined with rich historical significance. Its carefully planned naturalistic environment, notable interments, and ongoing community involvement make it a treasured landmark in Macon, Georgia. Visitors to the cemetery experience both the solemn dignity of a historic burial ground and the peaceful beauty of a landscaped park, all while connecting with the stories and legacies of those who helped shape the region’s history.