South Tampa in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Port Tampa Cemetery

Photographed by Dave W, January 28, 2023

1. Port Tampa Cemetery Marker

Inscription.
The Port Tampa Cemetery was where many African American families of the area laid their loved ones to rest. The segregation-era burial ground was in use by members of the community that did not have the means to use established formal cemeteries. While it is unclear what happened to the cemetery, it was one of several African American cemeteries in the area that had been forgotten or purchased for redevelopment.

The town of Port Tampa City was established in 1885 at the end of Henry B. Plant's railroad line. Port Tampa was an independent city with a vibrant history that became the point of embarkation for Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders during the Spanish America War.

According to a 1935 Works Progress Administration Veteran's Affairs Graves Registration Book, a cemetery existed east of the city in the early part of the 20th century. While the cemetery was not registered, secondary sources showed an unregistered cemetery existed until the 1930s, within the boundary of what is now MacDill Air Force Base.

Upon discovery of the Registration Book by the Tampa Bay History Center, the Installation Commander ordered

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

a comprehensive study of the probable location to determine if human remains were present. While extensive documentary research and field investigation suggest the burial place was in the area, the search yielded no conclusive results. Irrespective of these findings, the United States Air Force dedicated this marker in 2021 to acknowledge and pay respect to the Port Tampa residents who played an indispensable role in developing the Interbay Peninsula and the eventual home of MacDill Air Force Base.

Erected 2021 by MacDill Air Force Base.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.

Location. 27° 52.087′ N, 82° 30.421′ W. Marker is in Tampa, Florida, in Hillsborough County. It is in South Tampa. It is on West Marcum Street west of South Dale Mabry Highway (Florida Route 573), on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tampa FL 33616, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Tampa Bay.

Photographed by Dave W, January 28, 2023

2. Port Tampa Cemetery Marker

It is also in the American 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 America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Port Tampa City’s Black Cemetery (approx. ¾ mile away); The Rough Riders Arrive at Port Tampa (approx. 1.1 miles away); Tampa as Port of Embarkation for Spanish American War (approx. 1.2 miles away); Liberty Tree Memorial (approx. 1.2 miles away); Frederick Douglass School (approx. 1½ miles away); Mount Zion AME Church (approx. 1½ miles away); St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 1½ miles away); (Formerly) Jules Verne Park (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tampa.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 29, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 1,893 times since then and 142 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 29, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.