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Old City Cemetery, c. 1975

Old City Cemetery, c. 1975

Old Cemetery & Flipper Cemetery

Residents of Thomasville’s first public burial grounds include Thomasvillians who served in the American Revolution, those who were among the earliest settlers and landowners in the new county in the 1820s, and enslaved Black people. Its original boundaries extended much farther than today.

After the Civil War, the land was split to form Old Magnolia Cemetery, now Flipper Cemetery, and years later, a portion of the original cemetery was given to the American Legion on which their facilities were built. As with many cemeteries of this age, many graves are unmarked or “lost” though some records still remain of who was buried here.

Laurel Hill Cemetery Map, 1930 2002.58.08

Laurel Hill Cemetery Map, 1930 2002.58.08

Laurel Hill Cemetery

Laurel Hill Cemetery is the largest public burial ground in Thomasville. Designed in the park-lawn style, cemeteries such as Laurel Hill became the most common type transforming burial grounds into places of recreation as well as remembrance. 

The earliest grave in Laurel Hill Cemetery is that of A. T. MacIntyre, who was interred in 1830.  In 1866, the City of Thomasville purchased a tract of land from C. J. Harris for $1,000 and offered lots for sale to the public for $20 to $40 each.

The Hebrew Cemetery (an original part of Laurel Hill) was a separate cemetery purchased by older Jewish citizens before the community purchased the cemetery on Vine Street. In the early 1920s, the few remaining claimants accepted an offer to take what they wished and turn the remainder over to the City to be managed as part of the original Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Old Cemetery & Flipper Cemetery $15 Adults, $10 Students (6-17); Group Rates Available
Tours available by request pending staff availability
Minimum: 2 people; Maximum: 25 people. Larger groups may be scheduled on a rotation for best experience of all guests.  
Includes a guided1 hour tour of the Old Cemetery and Flipper Cemetery and an introduction to 6-8 cemetery residents.
We will be doing a fair amount of walking and standing over the uneven ground so we recommend comfortable closed-toed shoes.
Please be respectful of the cemetery’s residents and watch where you step.
Be prepared for an outside adventure: water bottle, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray etc.
No bathroom facilities available.
Voice amplification for guide available.
Request a Tour Below
Laurel Hill Cemetery $15 ADULTS, $10 STUDENTS (6-17); GROUP RATES AVAILABLE 
Tours available by request pending staff availability
Minimum: 2 people; Maximum: 25 people. Larger groups may be scheduled on a rotation for best experience of all guests.  
Includes guided tour of the historic Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Please note that Laurel Hill is still an active cemetery and the tour route may need to be adjusted in respect to burials.
We will be doing a fair amount of walking and standing over the uneven ground so we recommend comfortable closed-toed shoes.
Please be respectful of the cemetery’s residents and watch where you step.
Be prepared for an outside adventure: water bottle, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray etc.
No bathroom facilities available.
Voice amplification for guide available.
Request a Tour Below
Please note: The Thomasville History Center cannot schedule Tiptoe Through the Tombstones tours outside of the established open hours set by the City of Thomasville. All City cemeteries are closed to the public at sunset. If visiting on your own, please follow all posted rules and guidelines. For more information, please visit the City’s website

Request a Tour

Tours must be requested with at least 24 hours notice and are subject to staff availability. 

Please use the contact form to request a group tour outside of the scheduled tour dates and times. We will do our best to accommodate you. 

*Completing this form does not guarantee a reservation slot. After submitting the form someone from our office will contact you and finalize your reservation.

Tiptoe Through the Tombstone Tour Hours & Directions

LOCATIONS

Old Cemetery & Flipper Cemetery

804 N. Madison Street, Thomasville GA 31792. Tours will begin from the gates on N. Broad Street. 

Laurel Hill Cemetery

600-700 East Jackson Street, Thomasville Georgia (use entrance immediately following Thomasville High School athletic fields)

TOUR HOURS

1st Saturdays

March-June & September-December

If there are no advanced bookings, the tour is canceled for that day. Please contact the History Center to confirm the tour. 

After the tour, you are welcome to explore a bit on your own but please remember that the cemetery gates will be locked at dusk by the City. Please be aware of the time and daylight.

PHONE

(229) 226-7664

Mark Your Calendars: Available in October & November

Not everything is rosy in the Rose City… In Fall 2023 join the Thomasville History Center for another season of “Murder & Mayhem” as we tour the public cemeteries of Thomasville.

 Some lived wild and dangerous lives; others met tragic ends. Hear their stories and get a better picture of the characters who once inhabited our town. Follow us through Laurel Hill, the Old City Cemetery, and Flipper Cemetery… if you dare…

Tiptoe Through the Tombstones (940 x 780 px) (2)

Shop The Lobby at the Thomasville History Center Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. Gifts inspired by the history, people, and stories of the Red Hills region for everyone on your list!

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