SITE DIRECTORY
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PIERCE CHAPEL AFRICAN AMERICAN CEMETERY
PIERCE CHAPEL AFRICAN AMERICAN CEMETERY
FOUNDED: 1834
ADDITONAL NAMES: None
AFFILIATION(S):
African American Cemetery Coalition
HISTORY:
The site of Pierce Chapel African American Cemetery was established ca. 1834 as a designated burial ground for enslaved Africans. Following the Civil War, their descendants and surrounding Black settlements continued the tradition of African burial practices at this site. They were amongst the first persons of color to own land in the Black Belt of Harris County, Ga. Many of whom were farmers, skilled artisans and military veterans having served honorably in World War I and II.
The recorded documentary history for Pierce Chapel Cemetery has been scarce and, in some cases, non-existent. Our recent discovery of archaeological artifacts and evidence of traditional African burial rituals presents an opportunity to raise cultural awareness, create a documentary history, and tell the stories of under-acknowledged communities and the lasting contributions that have shaped the landscape of American society.
BCN Contact Information:
Hamilton Hood Foundation
info@hamiltonhood.org
Odd Fellows Cemetery
ODD FELLOWS CEMETERY
FOUNDED: 1890s
ADDITONAL NAMES: Rountree Cemetery, Rountree-Vick Cemetery
AFFILIATION(S):
African-American Cemetery Coalition
HISTORY:
Odd Fellows Cemetery is at the center of three adjoining historic African-American cemeteries, each founded around the turn of the 20th century. (Rountree Cemetery is easternmost. Vick Cemetery is westernmost. Colloquially, and confusingly, all three cemeteries are collectively known as “Rountree Cemetery.” The City of Wilson erroneously refers to Odd Fellows and Vick cemeteries jointly as “Rountree-Vick Cemetery.”) Established as a burial ground by members of Hannibal Lodge #1552, Odd Fellows was active into the 1950s, though most burials were before World War II. It holds the remains of many early 20th century businesspeople and artisans, including Samuel H. Vick, arguably the most powerful, politically connected, and certainly the wealthiest African-American in Wilson from about 1890-1930.
Odd Fellows was abandoned circa 1960. The local lodge is defunct. Three-quarters of the two-acre is completely overgrown. Lane Street Project began leading volunteer cleanups in December 2020.
BCN Contact Information:
Lane Street Project
lisayhenderson@gmail.com
www.afamwilsonnc.com