Tennessee

70sEraVet

(4,143 posts) Mon Oct 30, 2023, 10:01 AM Oct 2023

Sometimes, Tennessee really makes me proud (despite most of its politicians)

Resting in Peace
Known only to God.
We dedicate this monument
with highest regard.
This monument is erected on behalf of
more than 500 African Americans buried here.
May they find eternal peace.

On Monday, Oct. 30, members of the community are invited to the unveiling of a monument for the 500 unmarked graves discovered using ground penetrating radar at the Gallatin City Cemetery. The words above are inscribed on the monument.

When the Gallatin City Cemetery was established in 1814, it was segregated, and many Black residents were buried in the back of the property.

https://www.newschannel5.com/news/so-much-more-than-a-gravesite-monument-for-500-unmarked-graves-in-gallatin?fbclid=IwAR148JDf2S6BT0BFDINxPOIxhawZck5hbPWfxlwGsp0bjM0IdZPeZNjqIoU

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Sometimes, Tennessee really makes me proud (despite most of its politicians) (Original Post) 70sEraVet Oct 2023 OP

There is a very small graveyard at a church down the road Farmer-Rick Oct 2023 #1

Proud of my town! Docreed2003 Oct 2023 #2

I used to go fishing in Bledsoe Creek! Love Gallatin. 70sEraVet Oct 2023 #3

Wow, small world Docreed2003 Oct 2023 #4

Farmer-Rick

(11,399 posts)

1. There is a very small graveyard at a church down the road

Reply to 70sEraVet (Original post)

Mon Oct 30, 2023, 11:21 AM

Oct 2023

The graveyard has some small tombstones in front that look like small pillars broken off too close to the ground. These 18, two foot pillars are covered with lichen which is what happens to everything around here if it doesn't keep moving.

These are slave graves and markers, with only dates of death and a cross chiseled into the granite.

Seems that years ago the church was on top the hill and the slaves were buried in the back of the grave yard. They were hidden in the back by the now giant maple trees, where no one could really see them.

Since then, the church has moved to the bottom of the hill by the road. Now the slaves are buried in the front of the graveyard, where they should be, for all the world to see.