Ellsworth Cemetery
Site Brief:
Founded: 1876
Location: Westminster, MD
Additional name(s): N/A
Affiliate group(s):
Coalition to Protect Maryland Burial Sites
History:
Established in the late 1870s by African American Veterans of the Civil War, the historic Ellsworth Cemetery is the final resting place for many prominent Black residents of Carroll County. Over the years, the cemetery has fallen in and out of repair, with various agencies taking care of the maintenance of the grounds. Subject occasionally to vandalism and/or neglect, about 100 headstones mark gravesites. Leaders of the African American community of Westminster, including USCT Union Army Veterans, filed Maryland Articles of Incorporation to provide a burial place "for the Colored residents of Westminster, Maryland".
Through the years, Ellsworth Cemetery has been the final resting place of many African Americans of Westminster families. Black residents of the Carroll County Alms House and residents of today's Westminster Rescue Mission of all races are buried there. Strangers' Row accepts those who die Carroll County without known family.
Since 2013, members of a local Knights of Columbus chapter volunteer to maintain the grounds, along with help from local businesses and Scouting organizations. Now, The Community Foundation of Carroll County owns the cemetery and administers a Field of Interest Fund to restore and maintain the grounds. In addition, a grant in 2020 from the State of Maryland is providing funding for the continued mapping of the cemetery as well as restoration of the memorials.
