South-View Cemetery seeks listing on the National Register of Historic Places

South-View Cemetery – the final resting place of Congressman John Lewis and baseball great Hank Aaron – has applied for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

Atlanta City Council member Jason Winston is working with the Atlanta Preservation Center to file the application, according to a news release.

The cemetery was chartered in 1886 following the advocacy of black Atlantans for a safe and secure place to bury their family members. Located in the Lakewood Heights neighborhood, today it is the resting place of more than 90,000 people, including Moses Amos, Julian Bond, Grace Towns Hamilton, Alonzo Herndon and many other historic Atlantans.

“South-View Cemetery is the final resting place of many important figures, especially civil rights legends who played a pivotal role in shaping our nation,” Winston said in the release. “The cemetery tells the story of Atlanta, reflecting its importance as the epicenter of the civil rights movement in our state and nationally. The achievements of these giants must be protected, preserved and highlighted for generations to come. I am committed to continuing to work alongside the Atlanta Preservation Center to ensure that South-View Cemetery receives the recognition and resources it deserves.

The Atlanta Preservation Center is also coordinating the request with the South-View Cemetery Board and Verity Works, an Atlanta-based historic preservation consulting firm. Maintaining the historical connection present and cultural integrity intact is a top priority. The current president, Mrs. Winifred Watts Hemphill, as well as several shareholders, board members and staff are descendants of the founders.

Listing on the National Register is the first step toward qualifying for federal preservation tax credits administered by the National Park Service. These tax credits have already generated more than $45 billion in private investment.

Additionally, the listing makes sites eligible for National Park Service grant programs. Winston helped secure the $50,000 application fee required for National Register listing with Mayor Andre Dickens and the full support of the Atlanta City Council.