Big zion Cemetery

Apr 14

Site Brief:

Founded: 1863

Location: Roseland, LA

Additional name(s): N/A

Affiliate group(s): N/A

History:

Big Zion AME Zion Church was founded in 1863 by Solomon Johnson. While he was enslaved, he asked his enslaver permission to build a "brush-harber" on the plantation. He granted Solomon Johnson the site as a permanent meeting place for worshipping and assigned a space as a burial ground for his slaves in 1863, documented records attest to the donation are located in the Tangipahoa Parish Clerk's Office is dated 1871. An additional two acres of land was donated to the church for a cemetery by William Woods to Solomon Johnson. Solomon Johnson is buried in Big Zion Cemetery; along with other men and woman who served in the military, educators, farmers, and church members.