Near Bluefield in Tazewell County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Maple Hill Cemetery, African American Section

Photographed by Roger Miller, December 14, 2021

1. Maple Hill Cemetery, African American Section Marker

Inscription. About 300 African Americans, including some who had been born enslaved, were interred here in the "colored section” of Maple Hill Cemetery between the 1890s and the mid-20th century. African Americans had been a significant presence in Tazewell County since its founding, representing more than 10 percent of the population in 1800. After emancipation, many remained in this area. Later in the 19th century, coal mines and railroads drew African Americans here from other regions. They helped build the town of Graham (later Bluefield), often working as brick and stone masons, cooks, and midwives. In 2006 a fence dividing the cemetery's white and neglected black sections was removed.

Erected 2021 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number X-33.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites.

Location. 37° 14.801′ N, 81° 18.403′ W. Marker is near Bluefield, Virginia, in Tazewell County. It is at the intersection of Trail of the Lonesome Pine (Virginia Avenue) (U.S. 19) and Deaton Street (Virginia

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Route 749), on the right when traveling east on Trail of the Lonesome Pine (Virginia Avenue). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bluefield VA 24605, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Bluefield Virginia (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Engagement at Falls Mills (approx. 2 miles away); Tazewell County Va./West Virginia (approx. 2.8 miles away); West Virginia (Mercer County) / Mercer County (approx. 3.2 miles away in West Virginia); West Virginia / Mercer County (approx. 4 miles away in West Virginia); Bluefield State College

Photographed by Roger Miller, December 14, 2021

2. Maple Hill Cemetery, African American Section Marker

(approx. 4.1 miles away in West Virginia); Bluefield State Teacher’s College (approx. 4.1 miles away in West Virginia); Town of Pocahontas Commercial District (approx. 4.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bluefield.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Bluefield College (was approx. 3.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2021, by Roger Miller of Pulaski, Virginia. This page has been viewed 940 times since then and 87 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 14, 2021, by Roger Miller of Pulaski, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.