Historic Oaklynn Cemetery

Feb 25

Site Brief:

Founded: 1926

Location: Edgewater, FL

Additional name(s): N/A

Affiliate group(s): N/A

History:

Oaklynn Cemetery, in Edgewater, is a place that comes in and out of the news every decade or so. It is the resting place of many early to mid-20th century African Americans in this southern Volusia County city. The records for the cemetery are lost, so the exact number of those interred is impossible to know. The cemetery measures about 6 acres, but only one acre is accessible thanks to the cleanup efforts of the descendants and volunteers who have come forward.

The last burial was in 1969. At that time, the owner closed the cemetery with barbed wire and turned cattle loose among the graves. Those who had family buried there were not aware that they were entitled to maintain their family plots. So, the graves fell victim to robbers, vandals and the harsh Florida weather. And those who owned lots were unable to use them for any further burials.