Forgotten Cemetery DISCOVERED 1 Mile Deep In The Woods! Smut Hill Cemetery

Join us on this episode of Adventures into History as Cecil Young and I venture deep into the woods on a quest to uncover a forgotten cemetery that's not on any map. Cecil received a tip about the existence of this mysterious burial ground and invited me to join him in the search.
Our journey takes us through a mile-long hike into the dense, humid forest. We capture our efforts and the excitement of finally discovering and exploring the cemetery. Contrary to rumors of its destruction, we found the site intact, though hidden away from the world.
Subsequent research after filming revealed that this is the Smut Hill Cemetery, also known as the Smoot or Smute Hill Cemetery. This cemetery originally served as a burial ground for enslaved people, adding a poignant layer to its history.
Tune in to witness our adventure, learn about the history of Smut Hill Cemetery, and see the fascinating discoveries we made along the way.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Amazing find out in the woods. Before Cecil found it, it was not listed anywhere. Tip Jar For Gas: www.paypal.me/rwrightphotography Follow me on my old farm: kzbin.info/door/56vh2L-M0czmoTRLhSMaxg eBay Shop: www.ebay.com/usr/oldbyrdfarm Join The Official Sidestep Adventures Fan Group: facebook.com/groups/561758371276581/?ref=share_group_link My flashlight link: www.olightstore.com/s/UPTJSG Save 10 percent: SAIH10 (not valid on sales items and X9R) Mail: Sidestep Adventures PO BOX 206 Waverly Hall, Georgia 31831

[@Naomi-h8y]

Thank you for visiting this cemetery. My nephew's grandparents and great grandparents are buried there. You located his grandfather's grave (Johnnie Ramsey). Thank you Cecil for adding Smut Hill Cemetery to Find A Grave. Keep up the good work!!!!

[@shirleyjacksob6960]

This isthe old African American cemetery of St. Paul CME church. My family is buried there. Rosie Lee Douglass was my grandmother. The Ramsey's are my cousins. Robert Douglas Jr. was my cousin.

[@JohnMarciaShackelford]

Wow! Good to know! Do you still live in the area?

[@chriswilford3576]

Great for you that the guys found it and spoke the names. If you live close by maybe Robert could take you there.

[@shirleyjacksob6960]

Yes, I do live in the area. However, it would be very difficult for me to walk the challenging terrain. Also, I heard mention of a second cemetery. From what I heard, the name of the second cemetery is Chestnut Hill. The name was chosen because of the Chestnut trees in the area.

[@dianacurry6248]

There is no Feb 31st. Possibly 12-31?

[@dianacurry6248]

​@shirleyjacksob6960 may your family and all the others R.I.P. its a crying shame someone doesn't 5ake responsibility for this cemetery. NO respect for the deceased.

[@sallybright7172]

It's great to see a younger generation taking interest in preservation of historical places. And cemeteries are historical places

[@deborahdonnelly8423]

I would LOVE to see an old state psychiatric ward renovated. I understand that the hospital that Ellis island immigrants came to have been renovated but I’m not sure if it’s opened yet.

[@jackiejenkins4078]

When I think of an abandoned, overgrown cemetary, I think of graves that are from the 1800's or before. I was surprised at how relatively new some of those dates were. 😮

[@aimee7150]

@@jackiejenkins4078 me too! I was so surprised to see that someone was buried there in the 1960’s!

[@JohnMarciaShackelford]

​@aimee7150 there was someone buried there in 1972! I remember that because that was the year I graduated from high school.

[@chriswilford3576]

@@JohnMarciaShackelfordYes I saw that one. It’s very sad to see the sad state it’s in😅

[@shirleyjacksob6960]

The entrance to the graveyard was blocked by a locked gate. My Father, cousins and all would go as late as the 90's with weed eaters ,axes and mowers to clean up. The last time they went there was a fence blocking the entrance. They saw rows of graves with headstones and some with pottery. We are thinking that slave graves are there that was marked by family since slaves couldn't write . This growth from 30 plus years. Also very huge pine trees were there

[@jackiejenkins4078]

@@shirleyjacksob6960 Very nice that your family tried to take care of it for so long! 😇❤️

[@robertburns3014]

I know it isn't easy to get back into that scrub to show us that hidden cemetery. The heat of the Georgia summer makes it even more unpleasant. But, I want to thank the three of you for making the trek back in there to show us some local history and to remember the people laid to rest there many years ago. May God bless each of you and stay safe on these trips out into the country!

[@shirleyjacksob6960]

I truly appreciate Robert, Cecil and the young intern for finding my family burial site. Thank you so much. You all really put yourselves at risk with rattlesnakes, copperheads, coyotes,etc. There used to be a team of family members who would go and clean the area. Some died, others aged, and it wasn't so easy to get in there. Also, seeing the grave of Robert Douglas, Jr. brought back childhood memories of his death. I was just six years old when he died. I remember the funeral and he was buried near his great grandmother Rosie Lee Douglas .

[@jq5609]

Miss Queen Elizabeth Williams. Such a wonderful name. RIP Miss Williams ❤

[@Lorriann63]

This cemetery was an amazing find. Thank you for finding some names of the people who rest there. You three make a great team. Thank you for the video.

[@nancysantamarialatica1141]

I’ve been following his channel for a few years now and I have a note book with interesting unique names that he read out on other lost cemetery so yeah, I love this channel too

[@Lorriann63]

@@nancysantamarialatica1141 That’s a great idea!

[@Mari-B]

Bless you, Cecil and Robert, for sharing these lost cemeteries. It is so sad that they are so forgotten.😢

[@darleensanford7231]

You're keeping your young intern busy during summer break. She'll be learning a lot from you.

[@carylosborn1808]

Breaks my heart that Georgia seems to have so many "lost/forgotten" cemeteries.

[@terrirobinson3876]

It's not just Georgia.

[@Kelly.Cordelia]

wow i love how the filming turned out especaily the 'drone shot' that I did on the deer stand

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

You did a great job

[@Kelly.Cordelia]

@@AdventuresIntoHistory thank you rebertis 🤩

[@JohnMarciaShackelford]

​@@Kelly.Cordeliaoh, that's how you did it! A deer stand! That was a really beat perspective (view).

[@chriswilford3576]

Top job Cordelia! Lovely to see you out there with Robert and Cecil❤❤

[@l.l.2463]

Good job Cordelia! Hope to see more of you. :)

[@davidroberts5577]

Fascinating find, i find it so sad you all find so many grave sights that have been forgotten.😢

[@carolparrott1994]

Excellent camera work, Miss Cordelia! You learn fast and aren’t afraid of anything! This cemetery just seemed even more sad than some of the others. I don’t know why, but it just felt lonely-even through the screen.

[@chriswilford3576]

I’m in total agreement with you Re condition , it’s very sad.😢

[@gazooberful]

i was an old woods walker and i loved it but due to health im unable now, i have to watch you young bucks do it and im grateful to ya. never seen a tree like that, totally cool!, i was surprised that those graves are that modern

[@sarahmoller9716]

This is the most amazing find. Thank you Cecil for bringing these places to Roberts attention. The new intern is doing so good and didn't give up even being wounded by evil stickers. Thank you all. Great team!!

[@alanatolstad4824]

Two things I noticed on this trip...1) Cecil was wired, & it was great to hear him add to the hunt. And 2) I heard none of the typical bird song. Only the crickets & cicadas kept the everlasting company. What's next for this cemetery?

[@barbie5697]

Thank you for giving these lost graves recognition. I’m jealous of your young history apprentice. ❤️

[@japlangston3472]

Bless you for searching the backwoods for history that has been lost to "progress," i.e. logging, home development, or abandonment. I couldn't do anything like this in the SE US in the summer, due to poison ivy, chiggers, ticks, not to mention the heat, snakes, mosquitoes. Thank you for posting these videos.

[@gloriafeck6636]

Thank you for all of your hard work. I wish the state would take care of these poor souls resting places.

[@JohnMarciaShackelford]

Really something about that big drop off! I didn't know that Georgia had anything that steep 😊! People are saying you should go back in winter because you could see things better, no leaves. Only thing is the thorns will still be there! Cordelia did great! She's no whine baby about things like being stuck by thorns or bugs flying around her face! I never heard you or Cecil give an estimate of how many graves are probably there. Many, many.....

[@gloriahayes2488]

The lady whose headstone said her death date was Nov. 26, 1955 spooked me. As she was in the process of dying, my mother was laboring, giving birth to me. I was born Nov. 27, 1955 in Macon, Ga. !

[@lisawilliams7237]

My daughter was born November 27, 1984 in Baltimore, Maryland. She will be 40 this year.

[@nancyholcombe8030]

And so life goes on, Gloria! If we honor those who came before us, we can walk with our heads high! It doesn't matter who came before us, but that we move forward for them, straight and strong!😊

[@cowgirlvillarreal]

They found a grave with February 16,1878 and I was born on February 16,1978

[@southernmama9362]

Thats interesting ❤ wow

[@forevr_disturbd]

That’s such a beautiful feeling. Remember that it didn’t spook you. It spoke to you 💗 I walk around cemeteries & just cry. Not sadness. But I feel them

[@esterherschkovich6499]

Hi from the UK...only up one hour..see how many have watched❤

[@cindys.9688]

Goodness, yet another forgotten cemetery. Sure is overgrown. So glad you found as many gravestones you did. First time I'd ever seen tile scraps used for headstones. Very unique. Those 2 trees growing together was cool! Yep, that was a big slug! I stepped on one barefoot once. Not that big, tho.😄 Yes, it was as icky as it sounds!🥴 Well, your Camera Girl did a good job keeping up with you guys. Getting snagged on thorns was probably in the job description so it's all good.😁

[@pamelawooten3251]

Marshall Sandars born 2-31-1899 to 2-5-62 was different because Feb. can only have 28 or 29 days depending on leap year. Thank you Robert and Cecil for your hard work in finding these graves.

[@jdparker69]

@@pamelawooten3251 i bet that makers date was 12-31-1899. What a find y’all, good job.

[@pamelawooten3251]

@@jdparker69 I bet you are correct on that.

[@Melissa-pt2ik]

It would be nice if it could be cleaned up and some of the overgrowth cleared out and maybe some repair to the graves that were damaged but it’s so much overgrown vines I imagine it wasn’t easy to find out there great find and a special thank you to Cecil for reaching out to find the lost cemetery

[@ellenlascola6858]

Thank you and congratulations to your intern , I really found it so odd that burials so recent we’re so abandoned

[@cemeterrihaynes4435]

Not everyone who dies was a good person. People don’t always want anything to do with them.

[@BonnieDragonKat]

As a genealogist it might be a good idea if you take the information that you found in the cemetery and put it up on like find a grave. Who knows there might be family that's actually looking for this information that it by it being up on Find a grave you're going to help them for their research. I felt so off the sofa when I saw the first name that you uncovered because Sanders is a family name in my own family tree so I don't know if the person you uncovered is a member of my family or not. I want to personally thank you for doing this. The headstones that don't have anything on them like we did have stuff on them at one time and it just wore away as time went on. Weather and whatnot probably eroded it away.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Cecil did

[@Kelly.Cordelia]

@@AdventuresIntoHistory

[@BonnieDragonKat]

@@AdventuresIntoHistory Many Thanks to Cecil! Maybe someone'd brick wall fell because you did this. ♥️

[@lillypad9960]

Thanks to all 3 of you. Blessings from Michigan.

[@l.l.2463]

I love the way this channel gives an opportunity for everyone to contribute if they know something. Bet you made those who made comments about their ancestors buried there very happy! I know I couldn't get through all that overgrowth -- and I'm not really that old.

[@peggyharris3301]

Never get tired of your cemetery visits, but I like all your content! Thanku Robert!

[@nancyholcombe8030]

Hi Robert! What a cool video this was! You and Cecil find so many places in dire need of documenting and I can't thank you enough for that. Two things that puzzled you caught my eye too. After staring at the handwritten marker for a bit, I think it was Francie or Francis Douglas. I think they kind of ran out of room to write Douglas well but I caught enough of the letters plus there are Douglas family in the cemetery, so that's my guess. The other was the military marker for Pvt. James Jackson. I know from my history studies that the Sanitary Corps is the name for the group that follows the doctors, nurses and other medical personnel around the battlefields prior to WWII. Most have training for helping the wounded but are actually there to keep the trained medical staff in full operational mode. But like you, the DET after that had me wondering! After a bit of research, I put together that Private Jackson, who worked at a headquarters, possibly a mobile one, was probably assigned to the Colonel of the Medical Unit and helped move and set up equipment or helped planned how to do this. DET = Departmental Equipment Transport. If I'm right, he helped to move everything from records and housing for the Medical Unit to the actual medical equipment used in saving the lives of countless wounded soldiers in WWI. Possibly even the wounded themselves as personnel ran short at the end of the war. This was a vital service to our soldiers as the medical staff couldn't function without their help! I appreciate you guys finding these folks that worked so hard to keep this country free, as well as all those who are lost but may not be forgotten! Y'all take care now! 😊

[@JohnMarciaShackelford]

Wow! Great research!

[@nancyholcombe8030]

@@JohnMarciaShackelford thank you. If you're familiar with the old TV series M.A.S.H., he would've been like Radar. I wanted to put that in the answer but it was running way too long already.

[@brendahogue5487]

Love and enjoy your videos. May the lord bless and protect you Robert and Cecil and Emily and bringing out the past history and forgotten graveyard

[@paulhoffman6371]

Robert, DET is the abbreviation for Detachment. Again, I'm amazed what you find, where, and how. Seeing Veterans graves lost in place and time is a sad sight.

[@celleduffel1533]

what a great video and ty Mr Cecil Young for showing Robert and all of us.

[@bearpawz_]

Another INCREDIBLE video from an awesome team. If you head back in there again, I hope you bring your briar snippers... OUCH. Just amazing!! 🤗

[@kategulick4781]

I think that first marked grave you found was Dec. 31st not Feb. What a huge cemetery though!

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Yup

[@Musicismylove888]

It's very fascinating going back in time and getting a vibe from that Era.

[@Linney321]

Cordelia's camera work is very good. An amazing but sad place to see.

[@Kelly.Cordelia]

ikr shes the best!!

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

She did an amazing job for her first time out on one of these videos.

[@southernmama9362]

Shes a natural camera man, id let her do more❤🎉

[@katharinecarmichael7759]

Whoever did the Damage, really needs to Take Responsibility! They messed with a Graveyard, maybe more then one. What they did was Wrong! & Something should be done about it. I can't believe such disrespect & Worse. Thanks that you guys care.

[@almaberthelson6139]

I'm surprised it's abandoned because of the 1972 buriel.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Yeah, I really was surprised how “new” they were too

[@redrooster1908]

A lot changes in 50 years.

[@chriswilford3576]

@@redrooster1908yes, not always good though 😢

[@MacyGardea-ly8mp]

Amazing to think of mourners finding gravesites using that big distinctive tree! As always I’m so impressed with the dignity and respect you show these sacred places and the folks laid to rest there.

[@balfourgrl]

DET is a military abbreviation for detachment.

[@LasandraAnderson]

Thank you for sharing this. My grandparents and uncle bury in this cemetery. Willie Joe Faniel and Thelma Faniel my grandparents and Leonidas Faniel my uncle. My grandma last name was misspelled. Awesome documentary!!

[@sherrie545]

Great find! You three had to weather the jungle but found many cemeteries, field stone markers and relics. Maybe in the winter once some of the growth dies down you could find the ruins. Thanks for sharing.

[@pats9055]

Unbelievable how tucked away that cemetery was! I cringed watching you all getting poked and scratched. A good first outing for the intern. I enjoyed it.

[@pensnut08]

The intern did great!

[@lizmccready1560]

Never seen a tree growing through a different tree like that in the video in my life - wow

[@keilatorres673]

James (actually name is Game) Jackson was my grandfather ❤ I cried because this is my first time seeing his burial marker. Thanks from the bottom of my heart ❤️

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

That’s amazing and means so much to me

[@larryvercauteren22]

Det may mean detachment. nice video once again sir thank you for visiting this place

[@sharonladen3638]

The first marker you read, said February 31 was there a February 31 back then. Marshall Sandars February 31, 1899 February 5, 1962.

[@JDanBarry]

I think i would do that in the winter time so I could navigate and see better. Too much brush and green , briars. Would be much easier in the winter. Its unbelievable that nobody tries to maintain these places with so many graves there.

[@KonTikiBea]

sad to see it in such condition given that some of the burial were in the 70's ...not even 50 years ago :( so very sad... it know its been lost an forgotten.

[@user-randi1987]

That's a very big cemetary, thank s to you three for covering so much area to document and share what you saw there. Sad, no one has visited in a long time.

[@marshallfrazier915]

Hey Robert, On the Elizabeth Williams grave stone you probably didn’t notice it but it had the Miss . Queen, like they abbreviated Mississippi. So maybe it was Mississippi Queen, it might be helpful getting more information on the cemetery.Another excellent video Robert,Thank you.

[@kwm123123]

DET means "detachment". Awesome video as always! 😊👍

[@nadineveitch5837]

Looked like a big cemetery alright, another disappearing into the land. thanks for showing us!

[@barbaramai7610]

This cemetery seems almost lost. So wonderful you were able to find it and to share this part of your local history. I believe the name on the handwritten stone that you were not able to read was Francis Douge.

[@scottnyc6572]

I saw where Cecil dropped his scrub brush when you were looking at first headstone.

[@chriswilford3576]

Me too. Hi Scott 😊

[@oldmanwithacam3040]

Nice find! With all newbees doing camera work, they tend to point the camera high. When you point to something on the ground, all we see is your hand and not the article you're pointing at. Your videos are great! Thanks

[@mannyortiz4814]

Robert my love. Adventures into history can be quite sad at times. Especially when finding lost or forgotten cemeteries. Slave cemeteries are so precious to me. These are people that were treated less than human. Mankind has not progressed at all. There is so much discrimination today in all areas of life. In God’s eyes we are all equal. He has not forgotten these lost slave cemeteries. Love ❤️ is the one true equalizer. Until next time. Robert please, take care and stay safe. I love you 🍺🍺🥤❤️🌞🌹👍😇🇺🇸🙏🕊🌈

[@cherylschantz9893]

Amen!

[@chriswilford3576]

What a lovely comment and so true ❤

[@shirleyjacksob6960]

Amen. God truly has not forgotten. All the suffering that my ancestors suffered are written in God's bottle. On that great getting up day when the Equalizer should come with power and great glory, those abandoned graves shall be torn assunder, and each attending angel who knows the spot where they lay will meet them and escort them to the lovely Jesus. Then all cruelty, death and suffering will be no more. Jesus is coming soon, may we ready for His appearing. Amen.

[@elissalee3057]

Thanks yall for all the history. I appreciate it 😊

[@paulinecorona6435]

So sad it would be nice if family and volunteers get together and clean it up. Make it beautiful 🙏🏼

[@barbararoberto1258]

That was one big cemetery you guys keep up the good work, it's a shame it was forgotten

[@cajuneagle638]

I couldn't rest at night as a logger. Especially running equipment over graves

[@seminolewar]

Your cemetery finds are amazing. I wonder about the families of the people, if they know that their relatives are buried here?

[@lindamia3747]

How amazing is Queen Elizabeth Williams headstone, her birth year (1954) is the year our (deceased) monarch Queen Elizabeth II was crowned queen of the commonwealth, hello from Australia 🇦🇺

[@idaknott3310]

It's an awful shame that a logging company could even be near this cemetery! Here in Oregon, logging was a free for all up until around the 70s. I do appreciate and revere cemeteries.

[@georgiawhitworth811]

Somebody please start a Go Fund Me or something like it to pay for Robert's medical bills when he gets bitten by a snake! Im just kidding but I worry about him.

[@donnamartin2580]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@Kelly.Cordelia]

he legit was 5 inches from stepping on a timber rattler a couple weeks ago.

[@charlesjohnsjr.5809]

Snake boot company needs to sponsor him

[@Figgatella]

Yes! Robert needs to be diligent about being around dead trees. Timbers, cottonmouths, copperheads abound in them there woods!😮

[@kentuckylady2990]

And Cecil

[@carolb29]

wow this was amazing! I love the hand engraved stones, so much more personal. Did Cecil get his brush back? lol

[@kerrygilchrist62]

Amazing that y’all can find an old cemetery like this one ❤️❤️❤️

[@barbaraharshman9460]

Very big cemetery! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@debiebrumley3104]

Robert thank you and please tell Cecil great work !

[@kentuckylady2990]

Enjoyed the beautiful intern.

[@SillyWabbit-oq7gz]

This is sad , I wish there was a group that went around and cleaned up abandoned graveyards like this,

[@RedClayDSGB]

@SillyWabbit-oq7gz I went there about 35 years ago with family members who knew where to find it to clean a portion where our family members are buried. It was the cemetery for the old St. Paul CME Church before they relocated.

[@debbiesmith6293]

Love your videos thank you for sharing.

[@lorysutherland5464]

Love , Love these adventures . The amazing history . Can't help but want to learn more about the community. Hope some family find their relatives especially military. The personable names.. Thank-You ❤P.S. How would we have seen the fab double cedar

[@JohnMarciaShackelford]

I think they said the cedar grew through an oak.

[@AftStrut]

To die completely, a person must not only forget but be forgotten, and he who is not forgotten is not dead. -SAMUEL BUTLER My mother always said that if you want to know the history of a place go to the cemetery. Where ever she went she liked to visit the cemetery. Sometimes I would accompany her. Now I do the same thing.

[@karenwright9123]

Good thing you had some light, it was dark in there. ✝Thanks for the look see. 💗from Ky.

[@debrafricano1486]

An amazing find, yet so sad it was abandoned.

[@darlacasey5022]

The first name on the hand written marker was Francis . Good content .

[@JohnLaRue-zp2uj]

Very well done! That could be a restoration project to be proud of!

[@ericl7416]

its part of history, show the exsposed items, it will also help bring attention to the area to help preserve it

[@dorenedaniels7493]

I have enjoyed this very much and I think all of you. God bless you 🙏❤️🌹

[@sallycripe2697]

Det is Detachment. Thanks for going through all those briars. Check for ticks!

[@glorialewis4603]

No 31st in February Robert.‘I think that read 12 31. Love your show

[@davidtrishhope9841]

Still watching from New Zealand

[@jerryramsey6056]

Thank you for visiting this cemetery. My grandparents is burial there. Lit Ramsey, Annie Mae Jackson Ramsey, their sons Johnny Ramsey, Joesph (Tiny) Ramsey, James Ramsey and Boogie my grandmother cousin as well others family members. Where could I get more information about this cemetery?

[@sherrilee230]

Thank you boys and girl for sharing. That was a hike to find

[@cynthiacarter514]

“Get to the ‘dead end’ ... you will be there”. Of course you will be there. The gravesite is where the dead end.

[@zekesgirl100]

😂

[@chriswilford3576]

😂😂😂

[@evonnewhalen9794]

I enjoy watching your videos. They always give reconciliation to the people who are buried there and forgotten.

[@kathyhalley2547]

I hope you all were able to find your way back to your vehicles!!

[@DeeDee-dl7sl]

Thanks for another cemetery discovery! I would have passed out in this heat, I sweat more than you LOL

[@JohnMarciaShackelford]

Robert needs a sweatband or to take a handkerchief with him or something!

[@HeyLisaKay]

Amazing find. Y’all are amazing for documenting these places ❤️

[@TheDisorderly1]

I think the hand carved one at 25:15 said, Francis Doyle

[@barbie5697]

I made out Francis as well.

[@kerrialexander4211]

That first marker with writing must say 12/31, there isn’t a Feb 31.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Yup

[@robertdonaldson6584]

Hello from rocky mid-coat Maine, US.

[@naenae796]

How incredibly sad. Bad enough being abandoned, but to literally be literally by logging infuriates me !

[@fredbunce9232]

Enjoy your vids. Thirty years land surveying i came across many such abandoned cemeteries. May i suggest wearing safety glasses in thick brush.

[@shirleyjacksob6960]

I recently talked an elderly 90 year old lady who told me the significance of the artifacts in the grave. She also has relatives there. She told me about how families would ge together to clean the cemetry. She said that some families were able to afford headstones and slabs while others were not. Families would place familiar items there to mark their relatives graves.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

I would really love to talk to you more about this place and I really appreciate all these comments and info!!! Can you email me so we can exchange contact info?

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

My email is [e-mail]