It's been awhile since I've joined Susan for Outdoor Wednesday, and I've really missed it! Please visit A Southern Daydreamer to see some beautiful outdoor photos.
On a recent trip to Columbus, Mississippi for a family wedding, we took some time to visit historic Friendship Cemetery. Y'all are going to start thinking I'm morbid, but I just love old historic cemeteries. It is truly an amazing place to visit. The sheer scale took our breath away. And looking at the old monuments and inscriptions is like looking through a history book. Friendship cemetery is credited as the founding site of Memorial day. It has a huge number of war veterans buried there, including Confederate and Union soldiers. Columbus was a hospital town during the Civil War, which enabled it to remain relatively unscathed during the war. They say that a Confederate Soldier can be seen patrolling the back of the grounds, with his pack and his musket. He must be camera shy, because I think we walked the entire 65 acres and didn't see hide nor hair of him. Maybe he only comes out at night?
Click to enlarge to see more detail. This is a stunning monument with the light playing over it. 
A small portion of the Confederate field
The grounds have numerous large magnolia trees. This is one of the biggest I've ever seen
I love this monument, she seems to be guarding the cemetery
Some of the monuments remind us of how difficult life was. This family lost their little boy when he was 3 months, 15 days old according to the inscription.
And then their little girl just 2 years later at the age of 4
The Weeping Angel monument of Reverend Teasdale is probably the most photographed of all the sites at Friendship Cemetery. The pictures do not do it justice. It is truly breathtaking when seen in person. The detail of the stonework is just beautiful.
Don't forget to visit Susan to see some beautiful outdoor photography!
27 comments:
Oh Kat, I don't think you are morbid. I agree, there is so much history in a cemetery, especially such an old one. The headstones all tell such a story. The weeping Angel is just stunning. Such a beautiful monument. So glad you had a great trip. Hugs, Marty
I agree that old cemeteries can be fascinating, the older the better. The older ones have wonderful statues of angels and it's amazing the variety! I enjoyed this post very much.
Oh my this is great. I loved old cemeteries like this. The last two are so moving...
Quite a while ago I went to a historic cemetery in Savanah, GA. Walking around looking at all of the statues and headstones there were some very historical figures there. Really was fascinating. Great photos!
My sister and I plan to do a little cemetery hoppin' this summer.
Blessings.
Lovely post. I'm interested in historical cemeteries and plan to visit one in Cloverdale this summer. All the old Italian immigrants from Asti are buried there. It is fascinating. Thanks for sharing this history.
There is nothing wrong or morbid about going to cemeteries. I think it is interesting and informative to read what families select to put on markers. As you know, there is also a lot of history there.
it is a great place to find alot of history...
These pictures are great. The black and whites are my favorites. I like old cemeteries. Coincedently I was in a Union cemetery today. :)
I guess I'm strange myself because I absolutely enjoy nothing more than a stroll through a historic cemetary. If you're ever in Charleston you'll have a ball. Magnolia Cemetary is so full of historical monuments that a person could spend days wandering around. And that's just ONE of the many historic cemetaries!
This was a very interesting cyber tour of a cemetary. Fascinating with all the historical information.
Joyce M
I am unapologetic in my love for the macabre, and I think the pictures are wonderful! People who never stop to think about death, probably aren't taking their life very seriously, and I think there is too much pressure to always be upbeat and ridiculously one dimensional in our moods. But that's just a lot of my opinion :)
What fabulous pictures. The weeping angel is stunning. I find old and historic cemeteries fascinating and do not consider it morbid at all.
Thank you for the tour.
~ Tracy
Oh my goodness, they are gorgeous and not morbid at all. I love looking at head stones at the cemetery when I visit my dad's grave too..
Beautiful pictures!
Not morbid at all, I've heard many people like wandering old cemeteries, I am one of them ;) I used to do it all the time back in England, not so much here in TX! Lovely photos btw.
What a beautiful place and I don't think you are morbid at all! Old City Cemetery is right across the street from my office and I like to wander through it when I go for walks on nice days. Wouldn't venture in there at night though!
What a lovely cemetery! The statuary is just beautiful. I don't think you are morbid, it looks like a quiet, restful place to think, and a spot to remember the history while enjoying the beauty.
Kat :)
Kat, I think it is gorgeous! I love historic cemeteries. This one is just amazing. Thanks for sharing.
XO,
Sheila (who grew up with a cemetery in my back yard)! :-)
How beautiful! Happy Outdoor Wednesday!
I too love old historic cemeteries - this one looks like it was very educational as well as beautiful!
I noticed your header photo - are the bluebonnets starting to bloom in Texas already?
What? Morbid? Of course not! I love those angel statues! I am in close proximity where MJ was buried and Hollywood Cemetery, (of the stars).
Nice post with beautiful photos!!!
I enjoy visiting cemeteries too, especially to learn of ancestors and family I didn't know of before. I liked seeing your pictures!
Thank you for stopping by my place and leaving your comment!
Kindly, ldh
The cemetary pictures are so touching...we have several beautiful old ones here in New Braunfels and they are so peaceful and they tell so many stories. We even have cemetary tours to give us insights into our past. Thanks for sharing these pictures.
I'm finding this post late but I have to tell you how neat it is. I just love cemetaries and the older the better. The Weeping Angel is just beautiful. My backroad idea for a long trip is just to find cemeteries and drink in the peace.
Thank you for showing wonderful scenery.
I was impressed by magnificent Nature.
From the Far East.
Best regards.
ruma
Amazing sculptures
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