The Oconee Hill Cemetery has become one of the latest Georgia landmarks to be added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Officials from the Department of Natural Resources say the cemetery was formed when the City of Athens bought 17 acres near the north Oconee River in 1855. The site expanded in 1898 when the cemetery's trustees bought an additional 82 acres. Officials say the cemetery holds the remains of confederate soldiers, pilots and more.

The National Register of Historic Places is the country' official list of sites and structures that are worthy of preservation. The designation means properties listed on the register are given special consideration in the planning of state or federally funded projects.

Tags: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, historic landmark, National Register of Historic Places, historic, oconee hill cemetery