SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — The City of Savannah has acquired Evergreen Cemetery as of Tuesday, May 2.

This has been nearly a four-year effort by the City to ensure that those interred in the cemetery are treated with care. The property sold for $143,000.

“As someone whose loved ones are interred here, I know how much this place matters,” said Mayor Van R. Johnson, II. “I am pleased that the City will be able to provide dignity and care to the remains of some of our finest citizens. My thanks to the City Attorney, City Manager and Team Savannah for making this possible.”

City Council authorized the City Attorney’s Office to negotiate the acquisition of the cemetery on Sept. 8, 2022.

“This is a great day for our City, and I am so thankful that we have provided dignity and care for the loved ones of so many in our community,” said Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Estella Shabazz. “I look forward to seeing Evergreen Cemetery returned to and maintained in its proper condition.”