This Graveyard Began As A Slave Cemetery! African American Church Used As Dumping Ground | Hollis

Join us on another profound journey on Adventures into History as we uncover the layers of a forgotten past at the Mt. Carmel graveyard, originally established for those enslaved at the Hollis plantation nestled in the hills of Talbot County. In this immediate follow-up to our last exploration, we delve deeper into the history and heartache of this hallowed ground.
Our exploration begins at the Mt. Carmel graveyard, a silent testament to the lives of those who toiled and lived in the shadows of the Hollis plantation. Each gravestone and unmarked site whispers tales of resilience and sorrow, offering a poignant glimpse into a bygone era of American history.
The journey doesn't end at the cemetery. We venture further, examining the ruins of the old church building associated with the graveyard. At first glance, the structure doesn't seem particularly ancient. However, as we peel back the layers of neglect and vandalism, the true age of the building is revealed. Despite the modern marks of defacement and its use as a dumping ground, the heart of this nearly 200-year-old building stands resilient, echoing the strength of the community it once served.
This video serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of history and the importance of preserving these sacred sites. Join us as we step back in time, honoring the memories of those who came before and ensuring their stories are not forgotten.
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to Adventures into History for more explorations into the hidden corners of the past. Your support helps us bring these important stories to light.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Visiting the burial ground for the enslaved on the Hollis plantation, and their later graveyard and church. 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

[@bethbartlett5692]

Truly interesting chronology. There's a repeated evidence of Social Change that appears in all these Historic Places, Homes, Churches, Stores, throughout the South. It is these various events that transitioned the eras, the various People departing to cities, jobs, and in natural transitions from this life to the Nonphysical, that are the stories that emulate from these Explanations. These so intrigue me, they are History. Appreciate these videos so ... Beth Bartlett Sociologist/Behavioralist and Historian NW Tennessee, USA

[@bethbartlett5692]

Does Talbot County, or the State of Georgia, still employ Road Graders and maintain Gravel Roads there Locally? These are 99% extinct in NW Tennessee, having been replaced by various forms of asphalt and a few tar with gray gravel.

[@annabelleb.8096]

That must have been a nice church to attend at one time. It even had a small building with a screened in porch where they had dinners! I can imagine people had many times of pleasant fellowship there. And there were a couple of outhouses too in case the wait for the indoor bathrooms was too long. 😊

[@normajeanhedlund7429]

we love seeing old cemeteries/graveyards but why dont you do longer videos? Like an hour or so?

[@mardenewillis8966]

I was baptized at this church September , 1982. I’m still a member but we hold church at Salem primitive Baptist church because someone kept shooting the church up and we were afraid. Columbus Daniel was a relative. I would appreciate any information you may have. Thank you in advance .

[@bettyboop4263]

The workmanship that went into building the church is amazing.👍👍

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

It really is!! Especially seeing all of the old construction! I had no idea

[@garysoykin2783]

That brick company Robin's paver was out of Robin's Tennessee in 1889. On the internet more to the story

[@belindaturnersmith5610]

No building permits, inspections and drawings probably drawn in the dirt. Nothing is as good/great as it used to be.

[@Lorriann63]

I hate that people just dump things in a cemetery! Not much is more disrespectful than that! That building is amazing. I wish we could see what it originally looked like. Thank you Robert and Dan and Cecil for all the history you are showing us.

[@Radiantstorm9]

Thank you for posting and sharing the black history of this cemetery during black history month

[@decembergem4598]

Such a desicration to once was a beautiful little church yard. So sad to see what humanity has become, no respect for cemetery's, old churches, or even our own neighborhoods. Thank you again, Robert, Dan, Cecil and all.🙏

[@sharonparker2262]

Robert, Dan, and Cecil, the respect and honor you show for every burial site is appreciated. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I hope family of those who are buried there, and were members of that church see this video, and do something about the utter desecration. No cemetery or church deserves rubbish dumping. Shame on thise who did that.

[@lsarlls3049]

I get the heebie-jeebies every time you crawl under a building, but just can't stop watching!

[@patward5099]

My Grandmothers house had the tar paper siding. Her house was in the southern part of West Virginia in the coal mining area. It's sad to see people dumping, no respect.

[@christinehallet6472]

My Grandparents house had the same siding, circa 1920’s in Wilkes Barre PA.

[@anitameza3960]

Such a shame old churches and homes are allowed to rot like that.

[@greatvibes8059]

People die off what do you expect to happen.

[@sherronbell4961]

Amazing and incredible graveyard and Church, thank you for the Black history.

[@curtisyeomans1333]

Thank You once again, for sharing.... Knowing that I connect to the slave plantation Hollis', and also realizing that my 89yr old father resides not too far in Upitoi! Kudos from California!

[@mikelenahan9253]

Blessings to you and your family.

[@rikspector]

Robert, I agree with Mr. Dan, What a shame. Seeing that garbage makes me wonder what kind of minds would do that! Someone made a real effort to support that structure underneath, it really needs help, but who? Cheers, Rik Spector

[@SondraD7676]

Very sad seeing the garbage all around it. What I found interesting is the center beam support is wood and looks to be part of the beam perhaps cut and used as a support. The build looks to be partly original as you said. Those roof beams are amazing being made of split logs. Indoor plumbing at some point is a surprise. It my opinion a church such as this stands for the resilience of the human spirit and dedication to faith. Great investigation of the build. Cemetery is a surprise that the graves are marked of the Hollis slaves. Enjoyed!! ❣❣👍👍

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Well said

[@MeMe-cz6pk]

The 1860 U.S. Census was the last U.S. census showing slaves and slaveholders. Slaves were enumerated in 1860 without giving their names, only their sex and age. Hollis, Richard, 35 slaves District 688 page18.

[@SondraD7676]

@@MeMe-cz6pk but several here, born into slavery have marked graves after the civil war.

[@brendahogue5487]

Love your videos and enjoy watching them. May the lord bless and protect you Robert and Dan bringing out the past history

[@Steve7318]

Thanks for keeping this history alive. It's local history but it's part of the South. It's ashame it's become a dumping ground. Maybe in the future there will be an historical marker to honor the memory of those who worshipped and are buried there. I love hearing about the local stories because that's living history!

[@Roller_Ghoster]

Touring the backroads of Georgia with Robert, Dan and the gang is my idea of relaxation.

[@peggyharris3301]

Me too, love it!

[@madelynwilliams7724]

Thank you for taking us with you!❤

[@patbrown463]

Thank all of y'all for the historical documentation and for y'all's efforts from Memphis TN.

[@JustGigi319]

It's disrespectful to use any abandoned property as a dump. An abandoned church is no different than any other.

[@JanRaz1955]

Homer had a good life with all his bicycles 🚴

[@lynnmacleod1879]

The home i grew up in had that tar paper siding as on this church...we knew it as "insolbrick siding". Thank-you for sharing these videos.

[@garysoykin2783]

That old building could be restored. It would sure be cool if people would get together and try to restore it. Retired carpenters, church, people just get together and do it to it.

[@winterhomestead]

Under neath the church was fascinating..the old hand hewn.. There is no pride in buildings anymore..😢

[@andrewowens9382]

Another great intresting video Robert the structure of the church ⛪ looks in good condition 👍 👏 it's a shame people dump their rubbish there 🙄 but that's what happens in this day and age 😕 so you and Dan Cecil compete your mission 👍 very good 👍 👏 all the best Andrew south wales uk 👌 👍 👏 😀 🇬🇧

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Yes it is!! It’s such a shame to see how people treat such a historic site!

[@LindaZeno]

I live in Alabama now and when a friend and I were walking through an old black cemetery we were shocked to see the destruction and desecration of the graves. The cement covers on the old graves were destroyed and just filled with remains, beer cans and trash. It was the last cemetery in this state I ever walked through. 😢

[@user-gz2qh1ie8d]

My parents house and many others in eastern Wash. and n. Idaho had that same old brown brick looking siding on them. Parents house was built in late 1800s or very early 1900s. Had open ends upstairs on the flooring and we found an old newspaper front 1912 down thete as well as a couple old women's high top shoes and a big black Super ball! There is an old 2 story house up on the hill from early pioneers and the foundation of rocks from another just up the hill behind the house. Both sides of my family were pioneers in this area. Pretty cool! That's in n. Idaho and in Spokane Valley next door in n. e. Washington.

[@juliedennis8691]

These series of tapes are the best three have done. Thank You Much!!!!!

[@debraoliver505]

This was FASCINATING! Thanks for showing it, especially under the church.

[@Marliyn-ri5ez]

Hello, I know I will probability get a lot of flack for this but I would wish for this lonely old church to find someone to be able to secure her and carefully take her apart and build a wonderful home from her parts and then the church could live on and not just fall into the ground. That would be my wish for this wonderful old church. Take Care

[@robertburns3014]

So much history emanating from that old church building!

[@sandysue202]

It's sad to see how humanity has no regard for the historical value of both the cemetery and the church. Out of sight and out of their minds until they need to dump more junk somewhere. Thank you for taking us along on this adventure, Robert, Dan and Cecil!

[@cherylschantz9893]

I am very angry that people just dumped their junk there.

[@lillypad9960]

I love when Robert crawls under a building. 😊 Thanks for the explore. Blessings from Michigan.

[@denisedarnell1641]

Hello fellow Michigander!! Detroit suburbs myself. Wish we could get rid of this nasty cold weather soon

[@lillypad9960]

@@denisedarnell1641 I am closer to the Ohio state line. We've been enjoying a little warmer weather, but yes, the sunshine is also welcome.

[@Caroline_Burton]

I love your show. I am a history buff. I am from Arkansas, but live with my daughter in Harris county. I’m a city “girl” so my daughter takes me most places. If you ever need a major road trip, I think you would love exploring Mount Holly Cemetery on Broadway in downtown Little Rock. I have never seen monuments such as these. It is on Historic Register. I think you would be amazed at the various types of monuments and people in the cemetery. Again, I watch every episode of this & your Byrd Farm, it gives me a feeling I kind of belong as I hear the names and history. Dan is amazing his knowledge of the area. Thank you all for all your hard work. Caroline Burton.

[@Mari-B]

The disrespect of the old church area is disgusting! God met with people there. I would have loved to go back to see a service in that old church!❤🙌🏼

[@karenvaughn2248]

It’s a shame. The way so many graveyards and churches are just forgotten. Ever time I watch one of you’re videos my heart just breaks. Maybe someone will find a way to clean them up. So much of history. Is lost.. but thank you for bringing it to our attention.

[@lorij323]

I always enjoy when you get to explore old churches and buildings. It makes me think of all that those buildings saw - the people and the events held there. So much history. And another great exploration of a cemetery. The history is important for us to never forget. Thank you.

[@lisaclay3137]

Love the video. One day this information might help people find their ancestors. ❤

[@sherleengibson8847]

LOVE 💕the old church, I could only imagine ALL of the spirit felt services that were held there 🙏🏾✝️.

[@susank9506]

Thank you Dan for removing your hat inside the church, what a classy gentleman.

[@denisedarnell1641]

I agree. It's still a place of worship. You can almost hear the beautiful hymns being sung

[@LindaZeno]

My late father never drove past a Catholic church without tipping his hat.

[@marybratton1766]

Great videos❤❤

[@teatea5601]

Love to watch your chanel. Always so interesting. We have a very old church in Sweden. Parts of it are from year 1060. Keep up the good work❤️

[@carolynkatsilas8559]

What disrespect people have nowadays, to bring their junk and dump it in the yard of this beautiful little church, I’m so sad how humanity has really gone downhill since I grew up in the 40’s 50’s and 60’s. I remember we had respect for the past, cemeteries and especially churches. Thank you so much for all these adventures, I really appreciate what you do.

[@janiceokunami5955]

Very very interesting video

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Glad you think so!

[@tommybewick]

Dan is amazing! Such a great historian with so much knowledge. He really makes this channel what it is. I like his respect for the old church and it's parishioners.

[@karenshepler7128]

Very beautiful find as old cemetery and church ;

[@user-gz2qh1ie8d]

My mom got me and my brothers into checking out old cemetaries and old places around here! I am the only one that still goes and checks out the old cemetaries in the area of n. Idaho and eadtern Washington Always wonder about their lives!

[@JohnMarciaShackelford]

I lived in Colville, Wa for 33 years!

[@user-gz2qh1ie8d]

@@JohnMarciaShackelford that's a nice area! I grew up east of Spokane. Used to be a nice area. Still nice country but too many people. Now in n. Idaho! Getting to be alot of people here now too.😔

[@JohnMarciaShackelford]

@user-gz2qh1ie8d yes! Post Falls is exploding! Makes me sad, but I can't blame people for wanting to move there from places like Washington, Oregon and California!

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

Amazing! Thank you for taking us along. Rest in Peace…

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

Amazing! Thank you for sharing your trip. Rest in Peace…

[@peggyharris3301]

Love, love our Dan and Robert adventures…I never get tired of experiencing history, thanku guys!!

[@celleduffel1533]

Sad video all the way around. I am so glad we got to see it all and that you were able to document it. Ty Mr Dan for the history and hi Cecil.

[@sewhappysarahr8912]

This has been an amazing series of videos! Thanks to Cecil for finding the cemetery and to Mr. Dan for his incredible knowledge of local history.

[@zainaraqs]

My face is covered in tears as I watch this. My grandmother's father is buried here and I've been doing research trying to learn about him and other ancestors to not much avail. I really need to reach out to you! Every funeral was held here, and my grandmother often spoke about coming here for funerals and burying her sister and all of her ancestors. I'm literally crying 😭

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Wow!! What was his name??

[@phillybob255]

I enjoy your shows I live in Pennsylvania I just purchased property in Georgia last year. Would like to stop and see some of them cemeteries . Thank you

[@randomvintagefilm273]

They won't reveal where they are due to potential vandalism

[@phillybob255]

Understood

[@marthakierstead3415]

I live for these videos ! So much respect for you - Dan, Robert , Cecil . Those siding shingles when I was growing up in NJ was called” paper Breckenridge”.

[@jeannettetyler9038]

Love your show

[@alanatolstad4824]

I so enjoy and appreciate the literary talent you display with each of your background notes.---Patient Cecil, while you & Dan were investigating.

[@RollingwiththeTide62]

great video. l really enjoyed it. Roll Tide🎉

[@bruinsfan8278]

Well done guys, Thank You for the Knowledge .

[@lyndawise678]

Robert, I go to church with a Boynton and I told him about watching your show. He said a relative (way back) broke off and moved to Georgia when they were offering land after the war between the states. His name was Amos Boynton I think that sounded familiar when I was watching your show.

[@donnal.oglesby4806]

Great to see this cemetery, and nice that there are a FEW graves that are actually marked, such a shame, that so many are not. Shame that in that centery and in that time, slaves were not looked upton as people as well, but as lower than and therefore not worthy of being acknowledged or worthy of having names placed on their graves. Shame you could not get a closer or better camera view of the grave with the stamped concrete cover on the grave, cause maybe one of us watching could of helped in seeing the name of whome rests there..Was really good to see that this old church was recently releveled and stableized. Such a shame that it is no longer used, but now just left there to what?? fall in?? There has got to be some documents as to the history of this old church. Just find it strange that is was releveled and just left?? One of those things, that if walls could talk.Looks like a lot of the bottom structure was remodled and replaced at some point, to possible save this building..

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Another earmark of the atrocity of slavery: many slaves buried like dogs, without any grave mark. Fascinating exploration, brothers. Thank you. 🙏🏽

[@eriklarsson3188]

Biggest crime was to buy Negro slaves and ship them to the colonies, they should have remained in Africa. Taking them away from their homes, their families, having them lose their history etc is the worse part. Slavery itself doesn't even come _close_ Of course, the Negro kings back in the day sold their own people into slavery, which adds further insult to injury, being discarded by your own people like that.

[@marthagreenwood9518]

Thank you for sharing all the details and history of old cemeteries and buildings. It's sad how things get to such disrepair. And to use it as a garbage dump. Disrespectful. Again Thank you

[@shellydehart8217]

I was totally fascinated while you were under the church seeing all that old lumber. It’s amazing how old this church was when you see wood that’s all been cut by hand. As long as that roof holds up I think it will still stand unless a tornado or even a hurricane comes through that area it’ll be gone. So sad that people used that area to dump their trash. I bet at one time this was a beautiful area. To look out a window n see the cemetery a little up the hill. This was a good n very interesting video. ♥️it! ♥️♥️♥️😊👍👍🌟

[@JanGibson-cg7ui]

So excited to see a new video tonight 😮😊😊😊

[@jessiemerritt9147]

Very interesting. So sad people dump trash there. People use to respect things like the church and grave yards. God bless you all and your family’s . Thank you for sharing.

[@thomascramer7485]

Interesting once again fellows.

[@MrBrownnn696]

Thank you for these videos…

[@carolsearcy1960]

I am always amazed by how much knowledge you all have in being able to tell the difference in bricks, date of a structure based on the wooden support, etc. I like learning everything, but when Robert says something like, Well at least I know this won't fall on me.... That's why I am uneasy the whole time you are exploring! Still love and appreciate what you do, even if I do get nervous until you are all back outside!

[@vickymurdock8127]

Enjoyed the video guys. Robert keep carrying that gun you never know dear 😊

[@nancytestani1470]

Beautiful, just so amazing..

[@susanbellefeuille]

So very interesting - thanks guys

[@misskitty2133]

Dan has such an amazing mind!

[@jeilers2146]

I love going through old cemeteries. The history is fascinating. The story it tells you.

[@veneheron8947]

Thank you for showing history.

[@toddfryman6178]

Be nice to see it preserved such history! The stories it could tell if it could talk!

[@staceyjones183]

Thank you for the history

[@maxinejohnson2781]

Amazing!!

[@MillerMeteor74]

The beams under that church are amazing. I loved seeing that, and the cemetery was very interesting too. But it burns me up to see the vandalism and dumping.

[@melanieliles2923]

Dan is a wealth of information. I hope he is writing everything down for future generations

[@dorenedaniels7493]

I have enjoyed this very much thank you too all of you and God bless all of you 🙏❤️

[@craigwills1615]

Mr Dan is so right! People fly tip their garbage around the old church are so disrespectful to those who have gone before.

[@cynthiacarter514]

Thank God ya’ll are documenting the physical church and the uniqueness of the building materials.

[@charliepc56]

After that fantom walked across the floor of that old house you, Robert was underneath, Dan keeps his feet ready for a fast getaway! No ghosts or buzzards for Dan! You guys are great! Thanks!

[@Azoreanislandgirl]

I totally love the old structures. Can you imagine metal detecting that area. You would find some cool things.

[@vickisawyer7405]

I love this video, the ages that are revealed in this one building,the old wood, and square nails. It is beautiful, except for those phony ceilings, the fake bricks, & sidings. I really think it is one of your best. But something that hit my eye was your protection when you crawled underneath. I and a few friends used to look into very old abandoned places (mining) in the Cascades until we got chased out not so nicely. I do have protection, but I just don't go out there anymore. Stay safe!

[@johnreynolds8802]

Tennessee wish I was there. Hanging out with Dan and Robert?

[@denisehibbs9576]

My grandmother's shotgun house had tar paper like that. That's a great church building ! Interesting video ! Thanks for sharing

[@amywright2243]

I know you said before that Cecil is camera shy, but I hope he gets more comfortable as you work together. I'd like to hear his adventures too!

[@zekesgirl100]

What a beautiful main beam!

[@Orlcmb]

Which episode was that where you heard the footsteps while underneath the house?

[@sandrastaley5333]

When I was born, my parents lived in a converted garage and was sided with the brick tar paper. We moved when I was 2 years old, but remember the outside.

[@marcbrunson6986]

I've only lived in the country for 25 years, but it still amazes me what hidden treasures you find.

[@jodihepler6202]

My grandparents' house had that brick siding. Wish you could get some volunteers to come there and clean up. Our town has a black cemetery that has barely any tombstones. They had to clean up the place because people were dumping building supplies and junk in it. So I don't know how many had stones in the first place. It's so sad that these places were treated this way.

[@elissalee3057]

I love the old church

[@jerrysollinger5112]

Robert you are tough crawling underneath those buildings especially with all those leaves covering all those snakes.!

[@Melissa-pt2ik]

That cemetery is a lot cleaner than the other cemetery you went to

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Yup

[@bethbartlett5692]

Truly interesting chronology. There's a repeated evidence of Social Change that appears in all these Historic Places, Homes, Churches, Stores, throughout the South. It is these various events that transitioned the eras, the various People departing to cities, jobs, and in natural transitions from this life to the Nonphysical, that are the stories that emulate from these Explanations. These so intrigue me, they are History. Appreciate these videos so ... Beth Bartlett Sociologist/Behavioralist and Historian NW Tennessee, USA

[@empressvogt]

That paranormal encounter probably spooked Mr. Dan because he refuses to go underneath anything. XDDD

[@cclyon]

My 1915 house had that asphalt siding, it was very popular here in the Colorado mining towns. I think it was put on in the 40s and I took it all off in the 90s.

[@susanthompson2278]

I wish I could go with you guys when you find things like this 😮😊