Landon Road Cemetery

Dec 16

Site Brief:

Founded: 1904

Location: Brandon, MS

Additional name(s): Landon Colored Cemetery

Affiliate group(s): N/A

History:

The Landon Road Cemetery is one of the oldest African American burial grounds in the northwest section of Harrison County, MS. Little is known about how the cemetery originated. It is believed the property owner allowed African Americans to bury their dead on the least desirable portion of his land and that practice was allowed to continued until 1967. Records show burials occurred in 1904, but considering the community's history it is believed the cemetery is much older. Landon Road Cemetery is the final resting place of many of the men and women who were instrumental in building the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad and who worked tirelessly in the lumber and turpentine industries. The grounds are the eternal resting place of military veterans and children alike.

Today, the cemetery is inundated with trees, vines, and brush making it difficult to navigate. There is a desperate need to identify unmarked gravesites, clean and repair headstones and other grave markings; and clear topsoil and brush to reveal graves. Unfortunately, the property owner has forbidden access to the cemetery making any cleanup efforts impossible.