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Chattanooga’s Pleasant Garden Cemetery: A Historical Landmark

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Pleasant Garden Cemetery showcasing gravestones and greenery

News Summary

Pleasant Garden Cemetery, a cherished historical site in Chattanooga, has been nominated for the National Register of Historic Places. This cemetery, which dates back to 1890, is a testament to the African American experience in the region, featuring the graves of significant figures like Ed Johnson and LeRoy Wright. Efforts to preserve and honor the cemetery’s legacy are ongoing, highlighted by upcoming events aimed at raising awareness and funding for restoration. The cemetery serves as a vital link to the struggles and triumphs of the local Black community throughout history.

Chattanooga’s Pleasant Garden Cemetery: A Hidden Gem of History

Chattanooga, nestled in the scenic landscape of Tennessee’s Missionary Ridge, is about to shine a spotlight on a piece of history that holds tales of struggle, resilience, and the African American experience. Pleasant Garden Cemetery has been nominated to join the National Register of Historic Places, an honor that underscores its profound significance in the tapestry of civil rights and local heritage.

Unveiling the Stories of Ed Johnson and LeRoy Wright

At the heart of Pleasant Garden Cemetery lies the grave of Ed Johnson, a man whose life was tragically cut short due to racial violence. Wrongfully accused of raping a white woman in 1906, Johnson was lynched on the Walnut Street Bridge—a site that serves as a haunting reminder of America’s turbulent past. Johnson’s grave now serves not just as a final resting place, but as a poignant symbol of the ongoing fight for justice and equality.

But Johnson is not the only key figure buried here. The cemetery is also the final resting place of LeRoy “Roy” Wright, one of the nine “Scottsboro Boys” wrongfully imprisoned during a racially motivated trial from 1931 to 1937. Wright’s story, like Johnson’s, echoes the struggles faced by many African Americans during the era of racial injustices, amplifying the importance of remembering and honoring their lives.

A Rich History Spanning Over a Century

Dating back to its first burial in 1890, Pleasant Garden Cemetery has served the Black community of Chattanooga for over a century, continuing its burial practices until the 1960s. The cemetery, which spans approximately 22 acres, is a testament to the community’s rich heritage, containing the graves of individuals from all walks of life—from working-class citizens to prominent community leaders.

Established in response to the limited burial options offered to African Americans at the time, Pleasant Garden Cemetery has become a haven for the history of Chattanooga’s Black residents. Here, the graves of many individuals who began their lives as slaves lay side by side with those who contributed significantly to the community’s development. It even has notable figures such as the great-grandfather of the famous musician Lionel Richie!

Preservation Efforts: Reviving a Landmark of Memory

In a concerted effort to honor the past, preservation initiatives have been underway since 2017 by dedicated volunteers such as Beth Murphy and Donivan Brown. Supported by the African American Cemetery Preservation Fund, these efforts aim to restore and maintain this important site, which holds thousands of graves, many of which remain unmarked due to the cemetery’s extensive size and historical neglect.

Past attempts to revitalize the site date back to the 1970s when plans were proposed but fell short. Yet, volunteers have taken up the mantle to ensure that these stories do not fade into obscurity, inspiring future generations to understand and appreciate their history.

A Call to Celebrate and Remember

Looking ahead, there are exciting events planned to raise awareness and funds for the cemetery’s restoration. A “hike through history” is set for February 8, where participants can learn about the cemetery’s significant tales while enjoying the lush and calming scenery that attracts local wildlife. Together, these events serve to honor the past while paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Revisiting a Legacy of Resilience

The nomination of Pleasant Garden Cemetery to the National Register of Historic Places is more than an acknowledgment of physical space; it is an essential recognition of the cultural heritage linked to the history of African Americans in the Jim Crow South. It is a crucial step toward redefining public perceptions of the complex and often painful histories that have shaped communities in Chattanooga and beyond.

With ongoing efforts to document and identify the graves using innovative technology like lidar and GIS applications, every visit to Pleasant Garden Cemetery unveils a deeper narrative, reinforcing the importance of remembering and honoring those who came before us. Their stories live on, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit and the continuing journey toward equality.

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