Graveyards and Cemeteries - There is a difference!

Do you know the difference between a graveyard and a cemetery?

Not many people can differentiate. But in a city, home to over 400+ churches, it’s important to know the difference between the two. 

A graveyard is a burial ground which adjoins a church and is the older and smaller of the two. The most prominent and wealthy parishoners were once buried on church grounds, but with an increase in population and decrease in land, graveyards became full and new burial sites were needed. Fast forward… cemeteries.

Cemeteries are independent sites, often located away from a town/city, and are not affiliated with a specific church.

My personal favorite is a graveyard that belongs to The Unitarian Church and is tucked away between Archdale and King Streets. This natural beauty dates back to 1772, making it the second oldest in the city. Its overgrown, shaded grounds are a perfect escape from summer heat… and supposedly haunted by the ghost of a young Annabel Lee, the subject character from an Edgar Allen Poe poem. 

Next time you’re on foot in the Holy City, take a stroll through this enchanting gem.

Call me today to take a stroll around some of Charleston's historic graveyards.