Preserving History: The Fight to Protect a Historic Cemetery in College Grove
A proposed subdivision in College Grove faced a significant setback when the Williamson County Planning Commission denied the project, primarily due to concerns over the preservation of a historic African American cemetery. This decision has ignited a passionate commitment among community members to ensure the cemetery’s long-term protection and preservation.
The Hidden Cemetery
Nestled quietly beside a sharp bend in Owen Hill Road, the cemetery is often overlooked. Surrounded by a dense patch of trees, it connects to a vast field stretching towards distant foothills adorned with upscale homes. Here, history lies just beneath the surface; the ground is dotted with dozens of known graves, many marked merely by small rocks peeking out from the grass, now highlighted by fluorescent orange flags. Among the simpler markers stand several larger headstones, intricately carved with names and dates, each one telling a story of those who came before.
Historical Significance
Historically, the cemetery was not just a burial ground; it was also the site of Allison Chapel, a church that served the local African American community, and later the location of a Rosenwald School. Established in the early 1900s, these schools were crucial to African American education in the South. As noted by Williamson County Historian Rick Warwick, the Rosenwald School in College Grove functioned until the 1950s, making it a significant part of local heritage.
Community Voices Rising
In a recent planning commission meeting, community members voiced their concerns.
“We’ve got to put our foot down and say ‘this ground is sacred, and we’re gonna protect it,’” Warwick emphasized, underscoring the need for communal activism in preserving cultural assets. This sentiment resonates deeply within the local community, whose members attended the meeting in large numbers, including multiple generations of the Hatcher family, who have deep roots in the area.
Personal Histories and Connections
Dr. Marquinta Harvey, representing her family’s 122-year history in College Grove, spoke passionately during the public comments. “We are representing not just Hatchers, but also the African American legacy families within College Grove,” she stated, showcasing the collective memory and history that the cemetery represents.
The profound attachment felt by community members is also reflected in the physical remnants of history found at the cemetery. Harvey herself pointed out remnants of the chapel, including rusted pieces of a “Silent Giant” cast iron desk and a stove, remnants that connect modern visitors to the past.
The Developer’s Report and Community Concerns
Despite the significant cultural markers present, a report from the developer claimed there were no historic resources found on the property. This assertion was met with dismay by community members, who viewed it as a disregard for their heritage. “It represents an eraser of history,” Harvey lamented. The denial of the subdivision highlighted a growing awareness regarding the importance of this hidden history.
Unmarked Graves and the Need for Further Research
The potential for unmarked graves adds urgency to the preservation effort. As one local expert noted, African American cemeteries can often be larger than anticipated. Site Engineering Consultants, involved in the development’s surveying, acknowledged the discovery of additional bodies, hinting at a deeper historical significance beneath the surface. Flags currently mark not only known graves but also areas where community members believe additional unmarked graves might lie.
Community Action and Future Steps
The summer of 2023 brought a sense of urgency when the Hatcher family and others began clearing brush from the cemetery, cleaning gravestones, and learning more about its history. This grassroots effort illustrates a growing commitment among community members to safeguard their heritage.
Community member Connor Valentine described this collective effort as a uniting force, bringing people together to rediscover and honor their local legacy. Church leaders, like Rev. Boyce E. Wilkins, echoed this sentiment, voicing their church’s commitment to ensuring the cemetery’s preservation.
Ongoing Conversations and Potential Beginnings
While the proposed residential development has been denied, discussions about the future of the site continue. Local heritage organizations and community leaders are brainstorming sustainable solutions to safeguard the cemetery. Suggestions have been made to transfer a tract of land to a nonprofit organization, like the AME Church, which could take on the role of stewarding this culturally rich site.
A Collective Commitment to Preservation
Despite the uncertainty around future development plans, the community stands determined. Tyrus B. Sturgis from the Heritage Foundation expressed a commitment to aligning with community efforts for preservation. Harvey characterized the struggle for the cemetery as a “David and Goliath moment,” emphasizing the pivotal role community voices play in preserving their history.
As the conversation surrounding the cemetery’s future unfolds, it is evident that this sacred ground holds not only the memories of those buried at its site but also the aspirations of those who hold space for the past in hopes of a more historically aware future.