Indian Creek Cemetery
The Historic Indian Creek Cemetery in Clarkston is one of the oldest and most historically significant burial grounds in DeKalb County. Adjacent to the historic Indian Creek Baptist Church (the oldest Baptist church in the county, founded in 1839), this cemetery offers a “primitive” and “pioneer” aesthetic that is increasingly rare in the Atlanta metro area. For scouts, it provides an authentic, high-patina look that is perfect for period pieces ranging from the 1840s to the early 1900s, or for moody, atmospheric modern scenes.
Clarkston is known as the most diverse square mile in America. Today, half of the city’s residents are foreign-born and hail from over 50 countries across 6 continents. The City proudly proclaims itself as “the Ellis Island of the South,” and the railroad still runs through Clarkston today.
Visual Highlights for Scouts
- Primitive Grave Markers: The site is famous for its collection of rough-hewn, fieldstone markers and hand-carved box tombs. Unlike the polished marble of modern cemeteries, these stones feature deep lichen growth and heavy weathering, providing incredible “time-worn” texture for close-ups.
- Historical Gravitas: The cemetery contains the remains of several Revolutionary War and Civil War veterans, alongside early Georgia pioneers. The markers vary from simple upright slabs to more ornate, crumbling Victorian-style monuments.
- The “Unpolished” Look: The grounds have a rugged, less manicured feel than a typical municipal park. The mixture of mature trees, wilder grass patches, and clusters of ancient stones creates a natural, “forgotten” look that is ideal for horror, Southern Gothic, or historical drama.
- Perimeter Backdrop: The site is bordered by woods and the historic church structure, allowing for angles that can effectively mask modern development and maintain a consistent period-correct background.
Production Logistics & Access
- Location & Permitting: Though it carries a Stone Mountain/Clarkston area address, the site is a private historic property. Permitting and access are generally coordinated through the Indian Creek Baptist Church leadership. The site is located just minutes from the I-285/Hwy 78 interchange, making it highly accessible for crews.
- Load-In & Parking: There is paved parking available at the adjacent Indian Creek Baptist Church. This lot is sufficient for tech trucks and a small unit basecamp. The proximity of the lot to the gravesites allows for a very short push for heavy equipment and grip gear.
- Controllable Environment: Because it is a smaller, self-contained cemetery, it is significantly easier to “lock down” for sound and background than larger city-owned memorial parks.
- Synergy with Nearby Sets: The location is less than 10 minutes from other major Clarkston locations (like the Woman’s Club and City Hall Annex), making it a perfect candidate for a multi-location shoot day within the same permit jurisdiction.
Technical Fact Sheet
- Established: Circa 1840s (Church founded 1839).
- Notable Features: Contains the grave of Revolutionary War soldier William G. Terrentine and several prominent Georgia pioneer families (The Jolleys, The Stones, etc.).
- Terrain: Mostly flat with slight undulations; easily navigable for dolly track and light stands.
- Status: Active historic preservation site; any production activity must adhere to strict “leave-no-trace” protocols to protect the fragile, 180-year-old stones.
Nearby Locations
Clarkston City Hall Annex
The Clarkston City Hall Annex is a beautifully preserved 4,500-square-foot historic property that offers a rare blend of authentic 1800s charm and modern civic functionality. Originally built in the late …
Clarkston Women’s Club
The Clarkston Woman’s Club is one of DeKalb County’s most architecturally intact historic buildings — a crown jewel of DeKalb County’s historic architecture. Built in 1913, it is the third …
Milam Park
Milam Park is the recreational heart of Clarkston, encompassing 16.5 acres of modern municipal facilities within a compact, production-friendly footprint. Following a comprehensive renovation beginning in 2012 and subsequent upgrades …
The Historic Indian Creek Cemetery in Clarkston is one of the oldest and most historically significant burial grounds in DeKalb County. Adjacent to the historic Indian Creek Baptist Church (the oldest Baptist church in the county, founded in 1839), this cemetery offers a “primitive” and “pioneer” aesthetic that is increasingly rare in the Atlanta metro area. For scouts, it provides an authentic, high-patina look that is perfect for period pieces ranging from the 1840s to the early 1900s, or for moody, atmospheric modern scenes.
Clarkston is known as the most diverse square mile in America. Today, half of the city’s residents are foreign-born and hail from over 50 countries across 6 continents. The City proudly proclaims itself as “the Ellis Island of the South,” and the railroad still runs through Clarkston today.
Visual Highlights for Scouts
Production Logistics & Access
Technical Fact Sheet