MANY ABANDONED GRAVES FOUND IN THE TRAGIC HISTORY AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCH GRAVEYARD

FINDING EVEN MORE GRAVES IN THIS ABANDONED CEMETERY....

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Huge old cemetery here with a tragic past. After the church was burned down the land went back to the original owner. (The church didn’t own the land.) They were not allowed to build back there and the church was rebuilt up the street. Then the land with the cemetery was later sold to the rock quarry and access to the cemetery appears to be denied to this day. Part 2. PayPal Tip Jar: www.paypal.me/rwrightphotography Mail: Sidestep Adventures PO BOX 206 Waverly Hall, Georgia 31831 Follow me on my old farm: kzbin.info/door/56vh2L-M0czmoTRLhSMaxg Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/SidestepAdventures

[@NicoleWilliams-pk9jr]

Is that permissible under Georgia law? I know laws on this are different from state to state but it does not logically seem that a property owner can deny access to a graveyard.

[@jq5609]

I have so much respect for you gentlemen ❤🤍💙

[@MissNCGirl]

Maybe y'all could reach out to the local AME leadership about the cemetery. They may not be aware of it, especially if they are not from the area or are younger people. Possibly they could reach out to the quarry owners about access. The people who were buried in the late 50s and early 60s might still have children or grandchildren alive.

[@cindys.9688]

What a heart-breaking past.💕 I hope no one was injured in the fire. Wonder if the fire was started by the KKK, or a renegade group of terrorists. Sounds pretty suspish to me. This grand old cemetery deserves to be preserved with tender loving care. It's unimaginable to know what each person went through with racism, but I'm sure it was hard. I wish I could go back in time and meet each person buried there before they died. It would've been an honor to know them. If those hills, roads, and terraces could talk!🥰

[@ellietobe]

If the original church still exists then they should be interested in obtaining rights to access that graveyard. It is too bad that they buried people there. Perhaps if they went to court they could at least gain permission to move those graves to a more suitable place or at least improve the area. I feel it is wrong to ignore burial places of any kind. From ancient times civilizations have respected the burial places of their dead. Now with modern times, people seem to think that the bodies of the dead are just something to be lost and forgotten.

[@RhettyforHistory]

That is sad to hear of the past and how the cemetery is isolated. It's great to see you both together and uncovering more graves.

[@scottnyc6572]

I must say this was quite emotional watching as i just laid my Mom to rest today.The families of all these deceased are probably wondering where they ended up...😭.God rest their blessed souls.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

I’m so sorry to hear that 😞

[@ohioyodertoter6827]

Sorry for your loss

[@meloniemurillo2885]

That is so sad that the property owner of the cemetery stopped access for the loved ones of the buried there. In my opinion then the owner should have been made to upkeep it. There needs to be laws put into place for graveyards and cemeteries to be upkept and accessible to preserve these for future ancestors to the buried there. Seems to me that these companies have no respect for the dead and their loved ones. Saddening.

[@nadinefroderman157]

God doesn't see color. He cares about one's soul, not the color of one's skin.

[@kendrickwheeler4672]

Sad

[@kendrickwheeler4672]

Very sad that these people were forgotten iam pretty sure a lot of them not all of them had lost their lives because they didn't fit in with others because they looked different from them. Those were some very dark scary uncertain times for blacks back in those days . RIP to all of them and to the ones who passed away from natural causes.

[@amandaboisvenue7297]

cremation is the way of the future

[@Diwondermum]

If you guys get prosecuted for trespassing lm sure we your fans will pay your fines!! The graveyard needs to be open to all to visit including you guys! Just loving this series. Well done guys!!

[@northernflicker6590]

‘Preservation of the Past’ superheroes is what you both are. I myself enjoy exploring many of the little pioneer cemeteries here in Oregon. The importance of what you do in documenting these lost souls is remarkable and deserves respect. Thanks

[@cherylpalian3254]

It is so terrible that a company can come in and not let the church or the relatives maintain this cemetery. We just can’t forget those who came before us.

[@roxyevans3176]

So glad your recording these Graves. Shame on the Rock Quarry for not allowing family in to take care of their loved ones. Good job boys.

[@dianeburnejko2908]

You've taken us to alot of old abandoned cemeteries but this one seems special or different somehow. It is very sad that it is not being cared for. 👍

[@gayeyount7948]

Thank you Robert and Robert for all you do. It's sad that this graveyard is just left to nature but maybe there are no longer close relatives left to care. The younger generation most of the time don't care. We've lost our way because families are so spread out. My mom and my kids used to ride around on Sunday afternoons and visit old graveyards in NC where we lived. It is amazing the history one can find buried in those places.

[@deniseoftedahl8937]

There has to be at least 300 souls there, if not more. A return trip is definitely needed! Thank you so much for what you do.

[@alexw853]

I'm a young historic preservationist here in Arizona. I'm from the Eastlake Park area and so far haven't seen any records of any historic Freedmen's cemeteries built here in state 48!! But I will keep looking. Thank you for your time, effort and respectful work!

[@howardwest1347]

The church needs to organize a group to go out there and clean off all of the graves and all the way cleaned off. The quarry if they are human at all should give them constant access. That is just wrong to cut them off from their ancestors. They should take it all the way to top to get permission for permanent access!!!!!! Makes me angry how they treat those that came before them. Donna/Michigan.

[@user-randi1987]

Thank you gentlemen again for finding graves, cleaning them off and, speaking the names of the dead. It's important what you do.

[@the_eternal_student]

The way a society treats its cemeteries says alot about it.

[@beulaholine8637]

It would be nice if people were allowed to go into the graveyard and clean up and uncover the graves and put crosses on the unmarked graves and put flags on the military graves. There may be some relatives still around who would like to visit and put flowers on the graves. If the second church is functioning there may be some relatives. Thanks for sharing!!

[@mikeschumacher9715]

Brought a good brush. FANTASTIC!

[@pamelasinclair-karney8856]

Nice to see the other Robert, thank you for sharing

[@elbertajohnson937]

So disrespectful of the quarry. I cry for the memory of all those people. Needs to be a community clean up project

[@robertforrest7956]

Amen Robert!!! ⭐ THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!! 🕯️ 🎺🎼

[@jamesbass9797]

The County Government should step in on this one and force that rock quarry to open up an easement for the public to enter the cemetery. The local community could be asked to volunteer to do a clean up of the cemetery. I have no doubt there is some local news articles about the church burning down and that might possibly lead to an actual location of where the old church building was located. If the church was actually burned down due to racial tensions then this is 100% sins of the past and they should be rectified. The truth must be known!

[@christinehallet6472]

I was thinking to ask the quarry company to see if they would volunteer to clean up the cemetery. Would go a long way for their community image

[@bluesingmusic3443]

I had suspected the people who owned the granite plant, were responsible for burning the church. After all, it seems like they benefited the most, from the arson. Now it seems the land owner, was the true beneficiary. I don't understand why they would prevent the families of those interred their from visiting their loved ones. Who knows? But it seems very strange & very cold hearted. What an amazing number of graves, at 300, maybe up to 400. Some history about the original church would be great. I know my late wife's family have been the caretakers of their old church in Washington GA for well over 100 years. (I was told that in 1995). My wife is buried there, in that graveyard as well. This video again proves the old axiom, "those who don't know history, are doomed to repeat it." Thanks for this Robert, & of course The Other Robert. Well done.

[@jenniferponcia8387]

This would be a magnificent restoration project. Lots of questions as well.

[@joycesmith1742]

Good to see Robert and Robert together again!!!! I enjoy watching these two!!!! Sad there is so many unmarked graves.

[@brendashaw2035]

So glad to see both Robert's together again

[@sharongauss9298]

Robert, I am a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. All over the country, we are searching for veterans of the Civil War to document and mark the graves with D. A.R. marker. Is there some way we can stay in touch when you find these graves?

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Yeah absolutely email me [e-mail]

[@mcwatersd]

That cemetery seems bigger than 250 buried. Would take a lot to make it decent again. Since it's on quarry land they should be responsible to restore it and fence it off. Hope you get a chance to go back with flags for the vets. Keep Safe ❤Keep Well ❤

[@conniestevens5251]

My Father took me to an abandoned cemetery by a railroad tract. We walked the tract and he told the story. In this spot there was a bad train wreck, the many bodies were buried there by the rail track, between the trees. Some of the graves had tomb stones some did not.

[@kathleendouglas2597]

Would love to know where that was Connie Stevens⁉️🤩❤

[@karenchilders2449]

We're those the Irish workers??

[@pgrayson3138]

It’s very sad that this cemetery and others are so neglected. I am really glad to see the “other” Robert back, I have missed him. Although your other companions are very interesting also.

[@lindakelly6444]

So appreciate what you're doing to uncover these lost graves. So sad that people don't know that they are sleeping under a blanket of leaves! May they R.I.P. 🙏🙏👍

[@johnnyboyvan]

It is interesting to realize with each passing generation, we are completely forgotten. A brief mention, but nobody remembers us.

[@naenae796]

I was overwhelmed and humbled with this cemetery. Considering it is not an 1800’s abandoned cemetery , I don’t think it was purposely neglected . Things happen beyond one’s control sometimes and I think this what happened here . Thanks Robert and Robert !

[@barbararoberto1258]

It's so wonderful that you came back and uncovered the Graves the families need to beable to enter there its a shame they cannot keep up the good work Robert's you guys are the best

[@SondraD7676]

Great finish to this epic.👍👍❣️When you all talk about racial tensions and the church being burned down and then you find the WWI Veterans' graves -- I can't help but think about what those veterans faced in the military. The turmoil I can feel is extreme. Born just 30 years after slavery, serving in WWI, then still no peace when the church was burned near where you lie --- then next no one can visit your grave. If that isn't injustice and sorrow, I don't know what is. Tragic? Absolutely. Tears shed on this one. 😢😓😥

[@karenwright8556]

True.

[@cierakitty]

Ever since I could remember my uncle had rented out 2 large pastures to a certain farmer. When the farmer died, the family sold all the cattle, and my uncle decided to just sell the 2 pastures because they were so far out of town and he had no use for them. Long story short...land was sold, new people were going to build etc., When they brought in equipment to level dirt etc. they kept hitting chunks of stone. With shovels they dug around and discovered they were sunken tombstone slabs that had fallen over. There were 14 in all, and many more just large rocks. It took months to get records from the state...but at one time back in 1888...yep it had been a cemetery. The record showed over 40 buried there, yet as stated just the 14 slabs were found. The cemetery pasture was cleaned off...and fenced off as best they could determine where people were. The other pasture, to date nothing has ever been found. A few years back my son and his wife bought over 80 acres out in the country. There had only been 5 families on the place since way back in early 1850's. So far they know of two people buried out there on the property. One on the south side, and the other on the west side, meaning two different families. Myself...I bet there is more, being way back then you usually buried your own on your own property. (nearest town over 22 miles away)

[@kathleendouglas2597]

Yes and unfortunately there were also hundreds of slaves buried - no headstones. Just a rock if lucky. So very sad.....

[@cierakitty]

@@kathleendouglas2597 Back in the 1800's it was common for a headstone to just be a rock. Back then, headstones were for people with money. Several old cemeteries around here just have big rocks....and old war ones too. Middle 1800's during the war, no way to identify someone, so they just had a rock for their headstone. (blue or gray soldiers ). I have seen this a lot in most states. As I travel across the plains and mountains of Colo. and Wyoming...I often wonder how many are buried out there. Cattle drives, covered wagon people, miners, settlers, etc. They usually just had a wooden cross...which in time due to wind, snow etc. didn't last long. Soon, no trace at all of where they were buried out there.

[@ianthomas7863]

Great, to see Robert and Robert, back out and about. Thankyou both for this upload. Sad to hear about the history of this place.

[@karenwright8556]

Thanks for taking me along. Truth always comes to the light. All will be known one day.

[@kirstensocialbutterfly6025]

I understand the cemetery is on the quarry property now. But they should rope off the cemetery & allow visitors for hours weekly. It's a way to honor the dead. Its a way for family members to honor their dead family. Plus it would be a way to save history of the black community.

[@hildamclawhorm6305]

Amen

[@pamelashiflett5281]

I love when you two explore together. You both can read the land and I enjoy that more than anything. The mention of the different trees, the flowers makes it come alive. Thank you both for sharing your wisdom.

[@TheOldCowboy1952]

Good to see both Robert's out together again.

[@jjhyde5179]

thank you for respecting our veterans. i hope that you can continue to explore this area

[@lydafrazier7764]

You guys are very gentle when cleaning the stones. How wonderful to see such care taken 🥰💕

[@ronniebarksdale8528]

In Virginia you can not stop someone from going to visit a grave. If it happens to be on posted land you are supposed to only visit in daylight and supposed to let the landowner know.

[@sherronbell4961]

Amazing incredible graveyard, thank you for the Black History.

[@lyndawise678]

That Robert is a machine when he sets his mind to uncovering a grave. hard to believe that they would pull up the foundation,to hard to move all that stone.

[@MsLibbyMi]

I have always loved going to old cemeteries and reading the names...old fashioned and biblical names. In SE KY where I grew up there are so many old graves of babies...only stones marking them...my Paw always said they were from the influenza that came through...he and my Mom carried the mail on horse back and they would watch for different color flags for the infected and if they had dead family members... I loved hearing him and Mom tell these stories...but so sad ...

[@lauradarnall227]

I really love watching your videos on KZbin on old and Abandoned Cemetery.....because you learn about the history of the family and what was going on in the south.....this is so very sad that nobody cares for Cemetery no more including old military service people

[@GlamGal001]

There are tracker apps the follow your path so it’s easy to get back to where you started. Although is it fun to watch you trying to find your car some days. 😁. Such a shame that no one goes to that cemetery, it would be so nice to have it all cleaned up.

[@kayekaye7930]

Thanks for exposing and cleaning off the graves.

[@kathleenhannigan2487]

Thank you for sharing with us. Would be great if you can go back and put up some flags! Take a crew with you to help brush off more markers. Cheers.

[@ameliablackshaw5912]

I love your videos . I also love to go to Cemetery’s and learn about history of places and people . I like how you show respect to the lost saying their names that might not have been said in years.

[@vickifields4365]

This is a fascinating and sad place. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!

[@maxwood1819]

Maybe the local vfw or American legion would be interested in knowing about some of their forgotten brothers and sisters and at least come take care of them now that they have been found again. They might even be able to get an easement to the cemetery from the quarry.

[@stephenkorab6456]

Thank you Tina Martin! I think it's a great idea! Perhaps if asked, somebody might actually get an easement from the Quarry! It's worth a try.

[@frankscarborough1428]

Thanks you two. You are preserving history. Very intriguing.

[@Chuthermucker]

Your videos are awesome. Thank you for honoring those who went before us. Sad to see a cemetery so neglected with no one able to visit their family members. Keep up the great work.

[@gayleloy7111]

Another fantastic video. Stay safe. Love from Australia. 🥰🥰🥰

[@jen8491]

Phenomenal video Robert and Robert 👍. I love the respect you show these places. I was really hoping you would find the church. Take care

[@cindys.9688]

This is an epic find!💕 I think about the people who made the stones and slabs. So thankful for them, and how they did their part to preserve their area's history. We know names, ages, military affiliations, spouse's name, parent's names, where they're from, and whatever other details the family wants. I'm sure they took their jobs very seriously, with compassion and care. I wonder if their job needed some schooling + training, or if they just learned as they went. Very important, either way! It's always fun going on adventures with Both Roberts!☮️✨

[@ricknelson576]

Part 2 .Oh Goody. A lot of hard work went into these tapings .Thanks for video.

[@CoachTR]

Great video. We appreciate you showing love to our ancestors.

[@rescuelady4678]

It's good to see you two. God bless you for sharing this information. You are good men.

[@imanutnur7]

It is hard for me to believe the business that owns the graveyard would put up a no trespassing sign-up. What in the hell are they afraid of?

[@chicochi3]

@@turbo1672 I got to thinking that too. There's a lot of people like nothing better than to vandalize cemeteries.

[@karenwright8556]

and that's a disgrace...I've known it to happen. We have a well taken care of cemetery but there were old monuments turned over and broken one year. Strange what some will do.

[@imanutnur7]

@@karenwright8556 I think businesses and people that buy graveyards should be responsible enough to care for the graveyards.

[@karenwright8556]

@@imanutnur7 Yes I do too.

[@kristenkaz3080]

Liability? Or vandals?

[@andrewowens9382]

Robert and other robert that is definitely a huge graveyard very interesting and historic shame you can't find the church I hope you go back 🙏 all the best Andrew south wales uk 🇬🇧 👍 😀

[@nicolekook349]

Someone should petition for a restoration of the headstones. Such a rich tragic history. It is such a shame that this has been allowed to happen. I love visiting old cemeteries and graveyards. It's so fascinating.

[@missyblanks9916]

Yes. It may have to be me.

[@Carolbearce]

This old cemetery is huge. Love that you and Robert document these old cemeteries and honor the veterans buried there.

[@shawnamcdonald2463]

Glad Robert is back and the other Robert I love your hair cut

[@esterherschkovich6499]

An honour to care for these graves...bless and respect you gentlemen 💐💐Honour too the Service men and woman in the 🇺🇸 USA....

[@lindamccaughey6669]

Wow that did turn out to be huge, absolutely loved it. I’m so pleased you are gonna come back. I’m finding it sad and excited all rolled up. Thanks so much for taking me along. Please stay safe and take care

[@sandysue202]

It's sad to see how these folks have been forgotten but that seems to be so normal in today's world. But one thing is for sure, God knows who was laid in each grave and He hasn't forgotten their names.

[@debralpateart8862]

A leaf rake would take the majority off the graves. I wish you were marking each grave with a bright colored plastic marker driven into the ground. It would help family to find the graves.

[@bettyfletcher6489]

Hey Roberts , when you go back , can you take a metal detector , maybe ? it would sound out nails or something metal ? That was really interesting, Thanks

[@alanatolstad4824]

The intrepid explorers. Thanx for taking us along.

[@cbmeski]

Have you looked at satellite imagery to see if it picks up a possible area for the church to have been? Sometimes you are able to make out old foundations or impressions in the land. Although, with it being so overgrown, I wouldn't think it would give up it's secrets so easily.

[@suzieaustin.5905]

I watch your videos and I get so 😢 sad to see all these graves.They are on the Lord's land.Thank you.

[@greghodgen6902]

I love the adventures you take me on. Many Thanks.

[@jeffplawrentz269]

It's a shame that its been neglected and I hope this vlog inspires locals to take action to have it maintained. I appreciate your sharing this adventure with us. Thank you!

[@cindykaye3152]

The church doesn't want to leave it the way it is. The rock company that owns the land now is apparently denying access to the families. According to a comment by another subscriber, a man documented graves for find-a-grave in 2012 & found burials as recent as 2006, so the closure appears to be more recent. I don't know why the rock company would want to deny those families access to their loved ones.

[@cherilafleur]

I think we all know why the rock quarry owner is being an assnine.

[@ediefolta9494]

Maybe the church can do a project on Memorial Day to clean the graves and remount toppled headstones. If you can get in, I'm sure others can. And maybe the quarry would now be open to scheduled access for church members?

[@katrinafarrell36]

Thanks you for sharing this message with us. As you where walking I seen a lot of cross on the ground. From shadows. They seem to be on the gravesite

[@debbieg6594]

As always...thank you

[@yawndiir9511]

I ordered one of the local historian shirts so now every time I watch your vids I get more impatient for it to come in 😅😂 keep making awesome vids 😌

[@marypettitt9150]

Thank you, both Roberts, for showing us this fascinating graveyard. It surprises me that the cemetery was purchased. I thought the memorial gardens are sacred and not to be purchased.

[@pamelareed973]

God bless the both of you for doing this work … ❤️

[@scummings9878]

Welcome back Robert. We have missed you. You two are very entertaining. Thank you for bringing all the history to us. 🙏

[@peggyharris3301]

It is unbelievable that a cemetery of that magnitude is so isolated and nearly gone from view...wow.

[@bonnieh5790]

Take chalk when you go back. And clippers would help you guys. Thanks for the videos Robert (& Robert). Great job. Your best guess how many graves over 500?

[@marthakierstead3415]

I’m so glad you both are here finding graves long forgotten .

[@karenwiley2889]

Thank you for remembering to record these people.

[@joharmon2148]

Wonder how many graves were lost when they added to the rail road? So sad how they can sell a cemetery and not allow families to get in.

[@debjukes5548]

I really respect your wish to bring the soldiers their flags!

[@joycehorstmann2634]

I would just LOVE to see this awesome cemetery all cleaned up and landscaped-as it should be!

[@melissadyche8325]

I’m glad you came back there with Robert to video and show where other people were buried and you can verify who they were

[@josephstoermer2441]

Just amazing what you guys have found and documented!

[@gwendixon7490]

Thank you very much for what you’re doing.

[@clevereagle9327]

Excellent video. You may have answered this already, but does the state of Georgia maintain a database of all the cemeteries and graveyards?

[@victoriabridgeman5825]

It breaks my heart to see what used to be a cemetery just left to the elements and forgotten. I know certain areas may not have the money given to their township to fix the problem, but something needs to be done. This needs to be corrected and the deceased deserve a beautiful resting place where people don't have to treck around through thickets, etc. for hours to hopefully find them.

[@ACOUSTIC_4LOVE]

Great Work bringing this to light! No doubt there are some old B/W snapshot photos of that Church taken in the 1940s/50s in some family’s album or box of photos. I bet if the congregation of the rebuilt church nearby were asked for help in gathering historical documentation some would surface!!!🇺🇸

[@billm8442]

Hello Lucy Thomas. You guys are awesome, true archeologist/ historians

[@Roller_Ghoster]

Great ambiance in your videos.

[@rosemaryperham1329]

It is so sad to see this forgotten land. each grave has an untold story. thank you for taking the time to do what you are doing. I look forward to your video's.

[@shelleypoole6415]

It would be amazing if there was a clean up of the grave yards you find. Quiet sad it was not taken care of, and all the other ones you find.