Rye African-American Cemetery, historic cemetery in Westchester County, New York
The cemetery is a small burial ground covering about 1.4 acres (0.57 hectares) with simple headstones set among grass and trees. The site holds around 160 graves, many for military veterans from various wars, and is located at the entrance to the adjacent Greenwood Union Cemetery.
The land was donated in 1860 by the Underhill family to create a burial place for African-Americans in Rye and nearby areas. Burials began in 1864, and the site became a memorial for military veterans until the last known burial in 1964.
The cemetery's name and purpose reflect the exclusion it was created to overcome. Visitors today see simple headstones set in a respectful space, a quiet testament to the dignity given to a marginalized community.
The best time to visit is during daylight hours, when you can see the headstones and surroundings clearly. The small site is easy to walk around and offers a quiet space for reflection.
The site fell into neglect for about 20 years after 1964 but was rededicated in 1986 following major restoration work. Since 2010, the Friends of the Rye African American Cemetery have led ongoing preservation efforts, particularly around Juneteenth celebrations.
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