Northeast Georgia Mountains / Gainesville

Alta Vista Cemetery

521 Jones St.
Gainesville, GA 30501
770-531-2664

Website

Alta Vista Cemetery's history began in 1872, when the City of Gainesville purchased 9.25 acres from Allen D. Candler. It is the final resting place of two former Georgia governors, three Revolutionary War soldiers, a NASA astronaut, two U.S. Congressmen, two famous song writers, two men Georgia counties were named after, the Poultry Pioneer Jesse Jewell, a circus performer, a bridge builder, 158 Civil War veterans, an inventor, and numerous other interesting people. However, the most visited grave is that of Lt. General James Longstreet (1821-1904). Lt. Gen. Longstreet made his last home in Gainesville after President Ulysses Grant appointed him to a variety of civil jobs, including that of superintendent of revenue and postmaster of Gainesville. Longstreet was one of Lee's finest commanders and was often referred to as "My Old Warhorse" by Lee.

Alta Vista is truly a classroom for Georgia history, funerary art, and cemetery design. Please contact us for walking tour information. Brochure available.

Info & Amenities

Hours of Operation

Sunday: 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Monday: 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday: 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday: 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Thursday: 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Friday: 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Saturday: 7:00AM - 6:00PM

Admission & Fees

Admission 0.00

Facility Amenities

Free Parking, Maps & Brochures Available, Self-guided Tours

General Information

Family-friendly, Free Admission , Open Year 'Round

Group Amenities

Group-friendly

Near Interstate Highway

85, 985

Special Tags

Civil War Site

Suitable for Ages

All Ages