In 1886 a Catholic priest and a developer recruited 200 families
of immigrants to come to Haralson county and start a vineyard on
2,000 acres. In honor of their homeland, they named the new town,
Budapest. The immigrants, mostly Hungarian, came from the North,
and some could not speak English. They were not welcomed by some
long time residents of Haralson County. It is not explicitly
stated, but perhaps can be inferred that this may have led to the
establishment of the Budapest cemetery.
Julia Rado was the first to be buried in the cemetery. She was
the first child of Albert and Pauline (Estavanko) Rado. The area
physician was said to have not paid attention and Julia was
stillborn. Julia's coffin was built by her uncle, Frank Holley and
she was said to have had blue eyes. To help ensure the safety of
successive births, the other children that Pauline and Albert had
were both delivered by way of a midwife. Be sure to visit Julia's
little grave when you stop by the cemetery.
Life was hard for those who came to break up the Georgia red
clay. Several of these hardy souls are now part of the soil
themselves.
Unfortunately in 1908 the Prohibition Act put the vineyards out
of business. By now over twelve thousand acres of land were
now planted with grape vines which, it is reported, flourished in
the climate. The diminished need for wine, though, drove the
locals to seek work in Atlanta, or to return North. By 1964
none of the original families were left in the region.
It's obvious where to park. Please pause to reflect on the
lives and loves buried here. The entryway and paths were
constructed in the 1990's as an Eagle Scout project.
Wheelchair Access
Available year-round
 Less than 500 ft.
from car to cache
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