South Nashville in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Mount Ararat Cemetery
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 20, 2020
1. Mount Ararat Cemetery Marker
Mount Ararat, Nashville's first African-American cemetery, was officially opened in April 1869. The property was purchased on March 23, 1869, by the Colored Sons of Relief Number One and the Colored Benevolent Society. Lots went on sale on May 2, 1869. Notable persons interred here include some of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, the Rev. Nelson Merry, and sculptor William Edmondson. After becoming a part of Greenwood Cemetery in 1983, Mount Ararat Cemetery became Greenwood Cemetery West in 1986.
Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3A 176.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1869.
Location. 36° 8.699′ N, 86° 44.836′ W. Marker is in Nashville, Tennessee, in Davidson County. It is in South Nashville. Marker is on Elm Hill Pike, 0.2 miles east of Murfreesboro Pike (U.S. 41), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Orr Avenue, Nashville TN 37210, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Walden College (approx. 0.4 miles away); William Hicks Jackson (approx. 0.7 miles away); Lt. Henry M. Doak
this page online
Also see . . . Mount Ararat and Greenwood Cemeteries (1869-). Brief history of both burial grounds by Tennessee State University Library. (Submitted on June 23, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 20, 2020
2. Mount Ararat Cemetery Marker
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 20, 2020
3. Mount Ararat Cemetery Marker
Elm Hill entrance to the cemetery.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 451 times since then and 96 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 23, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
