Palm Grove Cemetery, cemetery in Monrovia, Liberia
Palm Grove Cemetery is a historic burial ground in central Monrovia, Liberia, dating back to the 1820s and housing many of the nation's prominent figures. The grounds sprawl across a large area with gravestones scattered between dense trees and bushes that have grown naturally over decades.
The cemetery was founded in the 1820s and long served as Liberia's primary national burial site for founding figures and leaders. During the 1980 military coup, tragic events unfolded here, including the burial of an executed president, linking the site to complex historical moments in the nation's past.
The cemetery draws its name from the palm trees that once graced the grounds and remains a place of remembrance for many Liberians. Each year on Decoration Day, families gather to honor their deceased, a tradition that underscores its importance to the country's sense of community and identity.
The grounds are difficult to navigate due to damaged graves, broken fences, and dense overgrowth that obstruct pathways. Visitors should be aware the site is isolated and should not be visited at night for safety reasons.
The cemetery was misused as a dumping ground during a military coup, causing severe damage from which many graves have never recovered. Today there are plans to transform it into a national memorial that both preserves history and restores the dignity of the place.
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