Williams-Crews Cemetery
Site Brief:
Founded: 1829
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Additional name(s): N/A
Affiliate group(s):
Fountain Chapel AME Church
History:
Williams–Crews Cemetery is a historically significant African American burial ground that reflects the long-standing presence and resilience of the Black community in this area of Tallahassee. Oral history provided by descendant Ronald Morris indicates that the cemetery has served generations of local families and was once far more visible and actively maintained, with marked and unmarked graves extending across much of the property. The cemetery is currently owned by Fountain Chapel AME Church, one of the area's historic Black congregations, further underscoring its importance within the community's cultural and religious heritage. Although questions remain regarding the site's earliest history and relationship to the church, the cemetery represents an important place of remembrance for descendants and a tangible connection to the community's past.
Despite decades of neglect, overgrowth, and damage from fallen trees, Williams–Crews Cemetery retains significant historical integrity through its surviving vernacular concrete grave markers, including handcrafted decorative elements that reflect local burial traditions. Oral histories and historic aerial imagery document the cemetery's continued presence within a changing landscape and highlight its role as a landmark familiar to generations of neighborhood residents. As one of the few remaining physical reminders of the area's historic Black community, the cemetery possesses considerable cultural, genealogical, and educational value, making its preservation an important priority for both descendants and the broader community.
BCN Contact Information:
Ronald Morris