Historic Headstone Typology in Lumpkin County.

Abstract

Past studies of gravemarkers in the eastern United States have focused largely on headstone iconography, which reveals the changing perception of and attitude towards death from colonial to present times. The stylistic analysis of headstone shape and material enable us to recognize changing preferences across time. Although other studies have explored trends in headstone typology elsewhere in the Southeast, this study is the first to do so in Lumpkin County, Georgia, focusing on eight cemeteries dating from the nineteenth century. To complete this study, the date of earliest death on the gravemarker, material choice, and headstone shape were recorded. Changes to gravestone shape and material were explored, revealing temporal variations in style and material choice. The results of this study reveal economic trends in the choice of headstone material as well as stylistic trends in headstone shape, adding to our understanding of the broader social significance of the grave markers. Finally, this study is couched within the broader Southeast region, demonstrating continuity with regional trends.