Nestled in the heart of Savannah, Georgia, lies a small cemetery with big stories to tell. LePageville Memorial Cemetery whispers tales of change, strength, and remembrance. Once part of a large plantation, it now honors the lives of those who shaped this corner of the South. Let’s uncover the hidden history of this sacred ground.
Key Takeaways
– LePageville Memorial Cemetery is located in Savannah, Georgia, and holds significant historical stories.
– Originally part of Brewton Hill Plantation, the land was worked by enslaved people in the late 1700s.
– In 1885, Robert LePage transformed the plantation into LePageville, a village for railway workers.
– LePageville offered affordable housing and a sense of community, especially for African American workers.
– The LePageville Baptist Church, built in 1888, became a central hub for worship and community events.
– The cemetery was established as a resting place for LePageville residents, including World War II workers.
– The area has historical significance, with ties to the Revolutionary War and World War II shipbuilding efforts.
– LePageville was demolished in 1967, but efforts to preserve the cemetery have continued.
– Patricia Jenkins played a key role in protecting the cemetery, leading to its preservation by the LePageville Memorial Cemetery Corporation in 2003.
– Volunteers have worked since 2006 to maintain the cemetery and honor the community’s legacy.
– Plans are underway to have the cemetery recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Roots of Brewton Hill Plantation
In the late 1770s, as America fought for freedom, a vast stretch of land called the Deptford Tract became Brewton Hill Plantation. Miles Brewton owned this plantation, where many enslaved people worked under harsh conditions. The plantation covered what is now Fort Jackson and played a big role in shaping the area’s economy and society.
Life on Brewton Hill Plantation was very different from the freedom we value today. Enslaved people faced daily hardships, working long hours in fields and homes. Their untold stories are an important part of this land’s history. These stories remind us of the human cost of that time and the strength of those who endured it.
From Plantation to Workers’ Village
As the South began to change in the late 1800s, so did Brewton Hill Plantation. In 1885, a businessman named Robert LePage saw a chance to create something new on this historic land. LePage built a village for workers of the Savannah, Florida, and Western Railway. This new community was called LePageville.
LePageville was very different from the old plantation. It offered affordable two-room houses with garden plots where people could grow their own food. The village layout showed a sense of community and self-reliance. For many African American workers, LePageville was a step towards a better life and more independence.
The Heart of the Community: LePageville Baptist Church
At the center of LePageville stood a beacon of hope: the LePageville Baptist Church. Built in 1888, just three years after the village began, this church quickly became the heart of community life. It wasn’t just a place to worship; it was where people came together to share their joys and sorrows.
The church did more than hold Sunday services. It was a meeting place for community events and a school for children. It helped people during hard times and kept the community’s culture alive. Many church members were descendants of enslaved people who had worked on the same land where they now built their lives.
A Resting Place for Generations
As LePageville grew, it needed a place for its residents’ final rest. The LePageville Memorial Cemetery was created behind the workers’ houses. It became a sacred place for generations of community members. While we don’t know exactly how many, it’s believed that hundreds of people were buried here.
The cemetery reflects the diverse lives of LePageville residents. Among those buried were World War II workers who helped the war effort and longshoremen who worked at Savannah’s busy port. Each grave tells a story of hard work and hope for a better future. The cemetery became a place where the community’s history was preserved in stone and soil.
LePageville’s Role in Broader Historical Context
The land that became LePageville has seen important moments in American history. During the Revolutionary War, a battle was fought here. On December 29, 1778, British troops won a key victory in the Southern Campaign. This event shows how important this area was in shaping our nation’s future.
Years later, during World War II, LePageville played a crucial role again. Many residents worked in shipyards, building Liberty ships that were vital for the war effort. This small community’s involvement shows how it was connected to world events. Throughout its existence, LePageville has been an important part of African American history, from slavery to the fight for civil rights. Today, visitors to the area can explore this rich history and then find comfortable accommodations at nearby Spacious Skies Savannah Oaks, a campground that offers a peaceful retreat among Spanish moss-draped oak trees, just 20 minutes from historic Savannah.
The Fall and Rise of LePageville
Despite its rich history and strong community, LePageville faced challenges. In 1967, city officials said the village was unsafe and ordered it torn down. The close-knit community was scattered, and the physical village was lost to time. But the spirit of LePageville refused to be forgotten.
A community activist named Patricia Jenkins saw the importance of keeping this part of Savannah’s history alive. Jenkins worked hard to protect the cemetery, making sure the community’s legacy would live on. Her efforts paid off in 2003 when the land was given to the LePageville Memorial Cemetery Corporation, ensuring its future.
LePageville Today: Remembrance and Restoration
Today, LePageville Memorial Cemetery stands as a 19th-century African American burial ground. It’s a quiet reminder of the lives and stories of those who came before. Only one gravestone is still visible, but the site holds memories of hundreds of people who helped shape Savannah’s rich history.
Since 2006, volunteers have worked to clean and honor this sacred space. They keep the cemetery in good condition, making sure it remains a dignified resting place. These efforts not only preserve the physical site but also keep the stories of LePageville’s residents alive for future generations.
Looking ahead, there are big plans for LePageville Memorial Cemetery. The group overseeing the site wants it recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. This would highlight its importance in American history. They’re also working to get funding for more improvements, aiming to create a fitting memorial to the community that once thrived here.
As we think about LePageville Memorial Cemetery’s journey, we’re reminded of the power of memory and the importance of preserving our shared history. This small plot of land in Savannah tells a big story of struggle, progress, and resilience. It shows us the strength of a community that refused to be forgotten and continues to inspire us today. What will you do to help keep these important stories alive for future generations? Consider visiting LePageville Memorial Cemetery and staying at Spacious Skies Savannah Oaks, where you can reflect on this powerful history while enjoying modern amenities in a tranquil, natural setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is LePageville Memorial Cemetery?
A: LePageville Memorial Cemetery is a historic African American burial ground in Savannah, Georgia, that honors the lives of those who lived and worked in the LePageville community.
Q: How did LePageville begin?
A: LePageville began in 1885 when Robert LePage built a village for workers of the Savannah, Florida, and Western Railway on land that was once Brewton Hill Plantation.
Q: What role did the LePageville Baptist Church play?
A: The LePageville Baptist Church, built in 1888, was the heart of the community, serving as a place of worship, a meeting spot for events, and a school for children.
Q: What happened to LePageville in 1967?
A: In 1967, city officials declared LePageville unsafe and ordered it to be torn down, scattering the community.
Q: Who helped preserve the cemetery?
A: Patricia Jenkins, a community activist, worked to protect the cemetery, leading to its preservation by the LePageville Memorial Cemetery Corporation in 2003.
Q: What are the future plans for the cemetery?
A: Future plans include getting the cemetery recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and securing funding for improvements to honor the community’s legacy.