Work included uncovering and restoring the c. 1880 fish pool and garden, then restocking it with koi fish and native plants (above). 

Oak Grove Cemetery first opened in 1856. Over the last three years,  the city of Americus, together with the Sumter Historic Trust, the Town Committee of the Colonial Dames and Senator George Hooks, has completed an extensive rehabilitation of the historic section of the cemetery. A 2002 Georgia Heritage Grant helped restore the exterior and interior of the early twentieth century sexton's office. (below).

Using skilled prison labor and countless volunteers, the project encompassed the restoration of more than 50 marble and granite monuments and over 300 graves. Work included using the original bricks whenever possible, as well as mortar-matching techniques. 

Metal detectors unearthed distinctive cast-iron fencing that once surrounded many of the plots. To date, 26 fences and gates have been restored and reinstalled in their original locations.

Read more about Oak Grove Cemetery's Excellence in Rehabilitation Preservation Award