In the first article in a series on strange roadside attractions in Alabama and Georgia, a staff writer explores a cemetery in Dadeville suspected of being haunted. Not too deep in the heart of Dadeville lies a cemetery that many believe is haunted. On the other hand, most people are not even aware of its existence.

The cemetery is not visible from the paved road because it is hidden at the top of a narrow, dead-end, dirt road. Only a small, white sign that reads "Agricola Cemetery" reveals that it is the right place.

With graves dating as far back as the early 1800s, Agricola Cemetery is an historic landmark. It has old, rusty gates surrounding individual graves and body-length tombstones, with a few partially open.

Because they are so old, some of the graves have names that are barely legible anymore. There are even a few that are strangely unmarked. Round pillows decorate each end of one unmarked tombstone.

Workers at Mims Mart: Market & Garden, located near the forks of Hwy 68, said the cemetery used to be a popular hangout for high school kids.

Some who have visited Agricola Cemetery, including Amber Stephens, 19, believe the area is haunted.

"I went with a bunch of friends one night, and we heard some strange noises," Stephens said. "It was just really spooky. I haven't been back since."

Barbara Taylor surveys cemeteries in Tallapoosa County for RootsWeb.com. She recorded all the names and information from the tombs in Agricola, but she said she was not aware of the rumor that it was haunted.

"I know very little about this cemetery," Taylor said. "I had never even heard it was haunted, or rumored to be. I just recorded it as I am doing all the cemeteries in the surrounding area. We didn't see any ghosts when we recorded it."

Buford Morris, a retired Avondale Mills factory worker and resident of Camp Hill, said he thinks the place is a good setting for a slasher film.

"I guess somebody could make a movie out there," Morris said. "It'd be a good place for one of those horror movies."

Many have said that they were afraid to even drive by it, and especially go in it. None of these wanted to be quoted, however, perhaps afraid of what the ghosts would do.

With unmarked graves, partially open tombs, and several people afraid of even driving by, Agricola Cemetery sparks eerie feelings in many people.

http://www.theplainsman.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2003/06/05/3edf773e7fb38