Booker T. Washington Cemetery

Sep 23

Site Brief:

Founded: 1919

Location: Cahokia Heights (formerly Centreville), IL

Additional name(s): Washington Cemetery; Booker Washington Cemetery

Affiliate group(s): N/A

History:

Booker T. Washington Cemetery is located off Illinois Route 163 (aka Millstadt Road) near the intersection with Illinois Route 157 in Cahokia Heights (formerly Centreville), Illinois. The cemetery is also known as Booker Washington Cemetery and Washington Cemetery. The cemetery was founded by Russie McCullen “R.M.C.” Green, an African American undertaker, on September 10, 1919. A plat of the cemetery dated January 30, 1920, contained 9 sections and 548 lots, and was recorded by the St. Clair County Recorder on March 17, 1920. An addition to the cemetery was platted in November 1966 by Gertrude A. (Hudson) Green, daughter-in-law of the founder and spouse of Edgar H. Green (son of R.M.C).

The cemetery did not have a perpetual care program for the graves. The present ownership of this cemetery is unknown. The cemetery is in poor condition and has been for decades. Weeds cover the graves. The property suffers from flooding, criminal activity, and illegal dumping. Booker T. Washington Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 12,000 African Americans including freed slaves, military veterans, and prominent East St. Louis residents.