Piney Grove Cemetery is a sacred and historic African American burial ground that predates the Civil War. According to Fulton County records, Piney Grove Baptist Church acquired the land in 1899 — including what was described as “an old cemetery” where enslaved individuals had already been laid to rest.

Today, the cemetery holds more than 300 grave sites and stands as a cultural and historical landmark. Its irregular burial patterns, hand-hewn and native stone markers, and terraced landscape reflect the traditions and resilience of the community it served. These features give Piney Grove a distinct character and underscore its eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Legacy at Risk

The original church building, once a cornerstone of the community, was demolished in 1996 after suffering severe storm damage. Since then, Piney Grove Cemetery has faced ongoing threats from highway expansion and residential development.

In 1997, the property was sold to a real estate developer. Nearly a decade later, in 2006, the developer attempted to relocate the cemetery — but descendants and community advocates successfully opposed the move, preserving this irreplaceable piece of cultural heritage.

Although the developer received a special use permit to build residential units nearby, the City of Atlanta Zoning Committee added critical protections to the approval (U-06-13), adopted by the City Council on November 6, 2006 and signed by Mayor Shirley Franklin on November 14, 2006:

• Condition 2: Clear access to the cemetery must be maintained

• Condition 3: The cemetery must be cared for by the homeowner’s association

Community Preservation

Despite preservation challenges, descendants, supporters, and residents have worked tirelessly to protect Piney Grove Cemetery and ensure permanent public access. Today, the nonprofit Friends of Piney Grove Cemetery partners with community organizations to preserve, restore and share the cemetery’s rich history with future generations.