Enon Ridge Odd-Fellows Pioneer Cemetery

Aug 5

Written By alanah cooper

Site Brief:

Founded: 1891

Location: Birmingham, AL

Additional name(s): Enon Ridge Cemetery

Affiliate group(s):

Freshwater Land Trust

History:

Enon Ridge Pioneer Odd-Fellow Cemetery holds significant historical value in telling the story of Birmingham, Alabama's Black history. Established as early as 1891, it served as a final resting place for African Americans during segregation and limited burial options. Notable interments, such as John Tuggle, husband of the prominent educator Carrie A. Tuggle, and Civil War veteran CPL Anthony Robertson, underscore its importance in the community's collective memory. Despite a 1901 resolution to close the "black cemetery" and subsequent court upholding, burials continued until the late 1950s, suggesting the community's continued need for and connection to this space. The cemetery's history reflects the challenges faced by African Americans in securing and maintaining burial grounds during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Birmingham. The eventual decline of its upkeep, linked to urban development, highlights the vulnerability of such sites. Efforts to document the burials, advocate for its preservation through historical registries, and potential inclusion in the Birmingham Public Library's archives are crucial to recognizing and safeguarding this important piece of local and Black history. The addition of the cemetery to the Alabama Historic Cemetery Register in 2023 and the Alabama Cemetery Preservation Alliance in 2024 further acknowledges its historical significance.

Early Birmingham cemetery practices reflect political and economic shifts, impacting marginalized communities. Research on Enon Ridge Cemeteries reveals how zoning and local politics influenced burial grounds, particularly for Black residents. Neglect of historic cemeteries diminishes neighborhoods; recognition and maintenance are vital for preserving history and enhancing urban spaces.