Hollywood Community Cemetery
Though rumors of slave cemeteries in Orange County abound, the burial ground on this site is the oldest known African American cemetery in the area. When Mary E. (Merriman) Boneville transferred 2.5 acres of land to William King, trustee of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, in 1875, the deed indicated that the property was already in use as a burial site.
The oldest marked grave is that of Trusser T. Thomas (1866-1886). He was followed by J. Jordan (1870-1891). Many of the 19th century burials were those of young people. Church trustee William King (1833-1896), a craftsman and farmer who came from Mississippi with his wife Mary, as early as 1855, is also interred here.
Called at various times "The Colored Cemetery," "Woodlawn Cemetery," and "Merrion Cemetery," the site was listed in the city directory as the Hollywood Cemetery as early as 1922; during the 1950s, the director of the Sparrow Funeral Home officially named the cemetery "Hollywood" and death certificates began to reflect that name.
Many interred here were veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces; others such as Emma H. Wallace (d. 1968), were educators. Under the direction of the Mount Zion Church, Hollywood Cemetery continues to serve the African American community of Orange County and all others who wish to be buried here.
Erected 1998
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites.
Location. 30° 6.188′ N, 93° 43.666′ W. Marker is in Orange, Texas, in Orange County. It is on Simmons Drive (Business U.S. 90) south of West Turrett Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Orange TX 77630, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Texas’ Golden Triangle. It is also in the American South, on the Gulf Coast, and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown (here, next to this marker); Emma Henderson Wallace (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Black Education in Orange County (approx. 0.2 miles away); Salem United Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Saint Paul Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Black Education in Orange County (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); St. Therese Catholic Church (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Orange.
More about this marker. Located in the Hollywood Community Cemetery
Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 1,281 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 12, 2018.
