News Summary
Memorial Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida, spans 18.5 acres and serves as the largest burial ground for over 70,000 African-American residents. Established in 1909, it honors remarkable community leaders like Abraham Lincoln Lewis and showcases the rich African-American history of the region. Despite facing challenges over the decades, the cemetery remains a significant landmark reflecting the cultural legacy and resilience of Jacksonville’s African-American community.
Preserving Jacksonville’s African-American Heritage at Memorial Cemetery
Located at the northwest corner of Moncrief Road and Edgewood Avenue, Memorial Cemetery is more than just a burial ground. This historic site in Jacksonville, Florida spans an impressive 18.5 acres and was established back in 1909. It stands as the largest burial ground within the Moncrief Cemetery District, proudly serving as the final resting place for over 70,000 African-American residents of Jacksonville, particularly during the early 20th century.
A Storied Past
The cemetery is home to the remains of remarkable individuals who shaped the community, including Abraham Lincoln Lewis, an important civic and business leader in Jacksonville. Lewis was a trailblazer who helped establish the Afro-American Industrial Benefit Association in 1901, which later evolved into the Afro-American Life Insurance Company. Additionally, his collaboration with Booker T. Washington led to the founding of the National Negro Business League, promoting the financial uplift of African-Americans.
Lewis isn’t just known for his groundbreaking business efforts; he made history as Florida’s first African-American millionaire and invested heavily in the Black community. Noteworthy projects such as the development of American Beach in Nassau County and the founding of the Lincoln Golf and Country Club in Jacksonville showcased his dedication. He also played a significant role in supporting several historically Black colleges, including Edward Waters College, Bethune-Cookman University, Florida Memorial University, and Florida A&M University.
The Role of the Memorial Cemetery Association
In 1911, the Memorial Cemetery Association took ownership of the cemetery, with Lewis serving as the president. The association expanded its influence by acquiring land for Sunset Cemetery in 1913 and platted for Pinehurst Cemetery in 1928. After Lewis’s passing, his son, James H. Lewis, took over leadership roles in both the insurance company and cemetery operations, continuing the legacy of community support.
However, the landscape changed in 1936, when the Memorial Cemetery Association was dissolved. The Lewis family retained ownership of the burial grounds, and as time went on, Memorial and Sunset cemeteries gained a reputation for being “fashionable,” while Pinehurst took on a more humble image.
Struggles and Transitions
With desegregation and disinvestment affecting urban Black communities, both Memorial and Sunset cemeteries faced significant decline. Economic struggles beset the Afro-American Life Insurance Company, leading many families to explore newer burial options or to relocate their loved ones to better-maintained cemeteries. In 1986, the ownership was transferred to Memorial Cemetery, Inc., marking another shift in its storied history.
The closure of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company in 1990 symbolized the end of an era. Yet, Memorial Cemetery continues to reflect Jacksonville’s rich African-American social history and religious traditions from the earlier part of the 20th century. Today, it reveals a fascinating tapestry of oral accounts, suggesting that traditional burial practices rooted in West and Central African customs were observed here.
A Lasting Legacy
In 1992, the City of Jacksonville officially recognized Memorial Cemetery as a local landmark, affirming its importance in preserving the history and culture of African-American communities in the city. This cemetery is not just a resting place; it is a testament to the resilience and rich heritage of Jacksonville’s African-American history and the incredible lives that came before us.
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Additional Resources
- The Jaxson: Free Jaxson Walking Tour of Historic Memorial Cemetery
- Wikipedia: Memorial Cemetery
- News 4 Jax: Jacksonville National Cemetery Observance
- Google Search: Jacksonville cemeteries
- First Coast News: National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony
- Google Scholar: African-American cemetery history
- News 4 Jax: Volunteers Needed for Memorial Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cemeteries in Florida
- KFVS12: Missouri Veterans Cemeteries and Memorial Day Ceremonies
- Google News: Memorial Day ceremonies
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
