Near Camden in Wilcox County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Bessie W. Munden Recreational Park
Founded 1955
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 7, 2022
1. Bessie W. Munden Recreational Park Marker
This 22-acre park is named for its founder, Bessie W. Munden, a noted African American educator and civic leader in Wilcox County. Dedicated on October 25, 1959, Bessie W. Munden Recreational Park is significant as one of Alabama's oldest historically black parks.
Ms. Munden, born in Marion, Perry County in 1905, graduated from Tuskegee Institute and received her Master of Arts degree from Alabama State College.
During her tenure as Supervisor, she worked with other local African American educators to establish a recreational park for African Americans during the era of segregation. The park, an important community asset, operated continuously for thirty years before closing in 1989. Restoration of the historic park began in 2004.
Erected 2010 by Alabama Historical Association Bessie W. Munden Recreational Park Inc.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas • Women. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 25, 1959.
Location. 31° 59.687′ N, 87° 20.471′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Black Belt. 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 territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Wilcox Female Institute (approx. 2.8 miles away); Lieutenant Joseph Morgan Wilcox (approx. 2.8 miles away); Camden (approx. 2.8 miles away); Confederate Dead of Wilcox County (approx. 2.8 miles away); Camden Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (approx. 2.8 miles away); First Presbyterian Church of Camden (approx. 2.9 miles away); Veterans Monument
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 7, 2022
2. Bessie W. Munden Recreational Park Marker
Also see . . . Bessie W. Munden Recreational Park. The park's Facebook page. (Submitted on August 13, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 691 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 13, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
