Mt. Olive Cemetery

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Site Brief:

Founded: 1922

Location: Stephenville, TX

Additional name(s): Colored Burial Association

Affiliate group(s): None

 

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History:

This historic African American Cemetery was established in 1922 when the Colored Burial Association purchased the site's acreage. Many of the first burials were relocated graves from the segregated West End cemetery, dating to 1856. The first burial at Mt. Olive was on May 5, 1922. The cemetery contains more than 250 known African Americans and 50+ unmarked graves. The Colored Burial Association maintained the cemetery until 1972.

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Resource links:

• An effort is underway at Mount Olive Cemetery to locate an estimated 80 unmarked graves

• History and legends: How racism fueled the start of Mount Olive Cemetery

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BCN Contact Information:

Sherri Benn

benn@tarleton.edu