Old Gray Cemetery is over 150 years old.  The thirteen acre land was purchased in 1850, but was not dedicated until 1852 when the first 40 lots were sold at public auction.  The cemetery clearly depicts the Victorian era providing important examples of cemetery planning and design during the rural-cemetery movement.  Old Gray Cemetery is an important historical monument for the city of Knoxville and featured on the National Register of Historic Places. 
Old Gray boasts excellent examples of Victorian art and architecture with representation from all classes of people.  Some graves are unmarked while others rest in massive monuments to honor their lives.  The huge oaks and hackberries are among the living witnesses to the history of Knoxville before the Civil War.  At that time, Old Gray was an open pasture.  Thanks to the visionaries who nurtured this vegetation for the beauty and comfort the trees provide for Old Gray.

History

Old Gray is named in honor of Thomas Gray (1716-1771), the English poet who wrote “Elegy Written in a Country Courtyard.”  Old gray was incorporated by the Tennessee Legislature on February 8, 1850.  The first purchase of land for Gray Cemetery was made on December 3, 1849, two months before the cemetery was incorporated.  The dedication of the cemetery took place on June 1, 1852.


In its early history, Old Gray Cemetery was used as a recreational park for many residents of the surrounding neighborhoods. At one time, the cemetery was a popular destination for social get-together's after church services on Sunday. Many courting couples used the cemetery for "sparking" and an old beech tree still remaining in the cemetery serves as a symbol of many loves now lost and forgotten. This tree, carved with many hearts and initials, is a beautiful reminder of the importance of preservation. Many locals also recount the cemetery as a favorite spot for sledding and playing tag. Today, residents can be found using the roads of the cemetery for recreational uses such as walking and running.

The problem of maintaining the grounds and monuments is not a new one. As early as 1854, the cemetery board resolved that carriages and horses entering the cemetery should no be permitted to turn out of the avenue or be hitched on the grounds.
 

In September, 1864, it was deemed advisable to build a temporary wooden fence to prevent horses, mules, cattle, etc. from running over the grounds. The president of the board of trustees was authorized to call upon the military authorities and obtain if possible protection for the cemetery.

Heritage

Old gray is a part of the Civil War Heritage Trail.  Significant military and civilian personnel associated with both the Federal and Confederate governments are buried within the thirteen acre lot.  Among those buried are two Confederate veterans, William Asbury Horne (1845-1891) of the 42nd Georgia Infantry, and John Fletcher Horne (1843-1906), sergeant with the Kansas Bottom Tennessee Artillery.