Evergreen Cemetery (Bartow, Florida)
| Evergreen Cemetery | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Details | |
| Location | |
| Type | Historic African American cemetery |
| Size | 4.6 acres (1.9 ha) |
Evergreen Cemetery is a historic African American cemetery in Bartow, Florida.[1][2]
In 2014, the city commission passed a resolution to acquire the cemetery through eminent domain. No owner was reportedly known and the historic character and deteriorating condition of the cemetery were listed.[3] A court order gave the city ownership of the cemetery in December 2014 and a cleanup and survey were planned.[4] A cleanup of the cemetery was scheduled for November 21, 2020. It covers 4.6 acres.[5] The cemetery is on the city's west side along busy State Road 60 and Baker Avenue.
In 2022, Polk County erected a historical marker on the site.[6]
Burials
[edit]- Benjamin F. Livingston a Reconstruction era legislator.[7]
- Prince Johnson, one of Bartow's city founders[8]
- Ossian Sweet and his father Henry W. Sweet[9]
- George W. Bayley, father of Bartow mayor Charlie E. Bayley[10]
- Andy and Tamer Moore[11]
References
[edit]- ^ "Historic Evergreen Cemetery in Bartow, FL". Visit Florida.
- ^ "Tours to remember leaders at Polk County's oldest known Black cemetery".
- ^ http://www.cityofbartow.net/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=4760 [dead link]
- ^ Schottelkotte, Suzie. "City of Bartow Taking Over Cemetery". The Ledger.[dead link]
- ^ Schottelkotte, Suzie (Jul 14, 2013). "News Chief, City commissioners looking to breathe new life into Bartow cemetery". www.newschief.com – The Ledger.[dead link]
- ^ "Evergreen and Palm Cemetery". Retrieved 31 December 2023.
- ^ "The Polk County Democrat". ufdc.ufl.edu. pp. 1, 17. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ "Guide to African-American Heritage Landmarks and Historic Sites in Florida". Visit Florida. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ Boyle, Kevin (2007). Arc of Justice: A Saga of Race, Civil Rights, and Murder in the Jazz Age. Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 978-1429900164 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Magazine". September 23, 1986 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Polk's Black history continues to shape community".
