Pensacola in Escambia County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

St. Johns Historic Cemetery

Photographed by Mark Hilton, March 6, 2019

1. St. Johns Historic Cemetery Marker

Inscription. After the Civil War, Pensacola's population grew rapidly. As new residents flocked to the city, its burial capacity became inadequate. Other pre-existing cemeteries were affiliated with specific religious denominations, making it difficult for those of different faiths to find burial plots. Originally located outside the city, members of Escambia Lodge, No. 15, Free & Accepted Masons established this 26-acre cemetery in 1876 with the goal of creating a public burial space without restrictions based on religion, race. or social class. The lodge's members made up the original board of trustees. They sold grave plots to individuals, families, and organizations, not for financial gain, but to pay off the lands mortgage and for its maintenance. In 1876, Martha Eleanor Screven Frierson was interred here, the first recorded burial. Since then, thousands have been interred, including mayors, soldiers, sailors, and teachers. In 1908, a Spanish Mission style gate house was constructed, consisting of a chapel, storage area, and restroom. St. Johns remains one of Pensacola's oldest and most diverse cemeteries. It features an eclectic

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mixture of funerary architecture, and is regarded as an "outdoor museum."

A Florida Heritage Site

Erected 2018 by St. John's Cemetery, Inc., and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-995.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.

Location. 30° 24.978′ N, 87° 13.959′ W. Marker is in Pensacola, Florida, in Escambia County. It is at the intersection of North G Street and West Belmont Street, on the right when traveling south on North G Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 North G Street, Pensacola FL 32501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Panhandle.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

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 territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of

Spanish Mission style cemetery gatehouse built in 1908. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, March 6, 2019

2. Spanish Mission style cemetery gatehouse built in 1908.

America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gatehouse Chapel (a few steps from this marker); More to Discover... A Secret Language (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to St. John's Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); Historic North Side (within shouting distance of this marker); Baby Section (within shouting distance of this marker); First Interment (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); William F. Miller (about 300 feet away); Zinc Marker (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pensacola.

Also see . . . History of St. John's Cemetery from its' website. (Submitted on March 7, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

St. Johns Historic Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, March 6, 2019

3. St. Johns Historic Cemetery

Nearby interpretive marker. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, March 6, 2019

4. Nearby interpretive marker.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, March 6, 2019

5. Nearby interpretive marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 974 times since then and 221 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 7, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.