Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery, founded in 1882 as a cemetery for African Americans in the 216th general militia district, Athens, Georgia area. Nine acres
Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery is a burial ground in Athens, Georgia that was founded in 1882 by the Gospel Pilgrim Society. The site has no paved paths but consists of open grassland with weathered headstones showing names and dates of those laid to rest there.
The cemetery was established in 1882 as a place where freed people and descendants of the enslaved could honor their loved ones. It was later listed on the National Register of Historic Places to preserve its importance to African American history in Georgia.
The graves and names tell the story of the Black community in Athens who built their own path after slavery. The stones show how these people left behind a legacy of strength and dignity despite facing great challenges.
Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and long pants as the ground is unpaved with grass and vegetation. Using a smartphone to view information and photos about individual graves while walking can help deepen your understanding of the site.
In 2021, University of Georgia students created virtual tours of the cemetery that can also be viewed online from anywhere. This allows more people to learn about the history and stories of those buried here from a distance.
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