Old Tate Cemetery

Origins & Location

The Old Tate Cemetery is part of the historic village of Tate in Pickens County, Georgia, located along Highway 53. It served as the community’s main burial ground before Pickens County was formally established in 1853. The site sits near other historic burial grounds, including the Tate Family Cemetery, an African-American cemetery, and the cemetery connected to Cool Springs Baptist Church.

Historical Background

The cemetery reflects the early settlement and development of the Tate area, which grew around the marble industry that became central to the local economy. Many of the headstones and monuments are made of locally quarried marble, showcasing the craftsmanship and materials that made Tate famous.

One of the cemetery’s most notable burials is John Tate (1758-1838), a Revolutionary War veteran and one of only two such veterans known to be buried in Pickens County. His resting place is marked by a monument honoring his service.

Community and Industrial Significance

The cemetery is tied closely to the history of the Georgia Marble Company, which helped shape the town of Tate. The company provided housing, schools, and recreation for its workers, making Tate one of the most developed communities in the region during the early 1900s.

Because the cemetery includes many marble markers produced locally, it represents not just the personal histories of Tate’s early families but also the story of the town’s industrial and cultural identity.

Preservation and Heritage

Today, the Old Tate Cemetery is part of the broader Tate Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site remains a point of local pride and remembrance, offering a tangible link to the early settlers, marble workers, and families who built the community.