Old Canaan Freedom Colony Cemetery

Feb 12

Written By alanah cooper

Site Brief:

Founded: Pre-1865

Location: Marshall, TX

Additional name(s): Canaan Missionary Baptist Church

Affiliate group(s):

Canaan Baptist Church Cemetery Association

History:

The Old Canaan cemetery site was one of the original burial sites for the Texas Freedom Colony established immediately after slavery ended in 1865. The cemetery along with a church and school were established in 1870 and included a thriving, self-sufficient farming and ranching community.

In about 1935 nightriders, also known as Klansmen, burned the Canaan-Rosenwald Elementary School and threatened to burn the Canaan Church down if they would not move. Due to these threats and pressure, the church and school were relocated about a half mile south of the original location.

The cemetery is now on private property, and we have been working for several years to reclaim the site.