Cemetery History

The Madison Historic Cemeteries now include Old Cemetery, New Cemetery, Fairview Cemetery, and Madison Memorial Cemetery. Old and New cemeteries are officially closed for interments. In 2014, abutting land for cemetery expansion was donated by the Pritchard Family, offering the next 100 year burial ground.

Old Cemetery

Located NW of Central Avenue, Old Cemetery is likely the remnant of Johnson Porter's original 202.5 acre land lottery parcel after Henry Carlton purchased 102 acres in 1811. All extant burial deeds date to after the razing of the Episcopal Church (purchased in 1939 by the City and once located near the main gate). Extending downward to Round Bowl Spring Park, the grounds encompass a later addition - a lower section comprised primarily of burials of many former slaves.

New Cemetery

New Cemetery - north of Central Avenue across the railroad - includes two City acquisitions: 1) 1880; the western six acres from Mr. LeRoy M. Wilson's estate; 2) 1882; nearly five acres from the Morgan County Commissioners allowing access across the railroad and connecting to Central Avenue. The Confederate burial area is now part of this cemetery as well.

Fairview Cemetery

In 1926, the City purchased from S. F. Beckham eight acres, known then as Fairview Cemetery. Adjoining New Cemetery across the ravine, Fairview was chartered in 1904 as a perpetual care cemetery by early enterprising stockholders, such as D.P. Few.

Madison Memorial Cemetery

Madison Memorial Cemetery also had its early origins as a perpetual care cemetery for profit - formerly known as Morgan Memorial Park, Inc., chartered in 1957 when purchased from Rosa S. Parker. The City acquired the four acres from John M. Massey, Jr. in 1979, eliminating race-restrictive covenants and renaming the cemetery Madison Memorial.