Bartow in Polk County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Evergreen & Palm Cemeteries
(side 1)
Originally named the Bartow Colored Cemetery, the Evergreen Cemetery has served the African American citizens of this area since the founding of Bartow in 1851. It is the oldest documented Black cemetery in Polk County, identified by the earliest marked grave of Tamer Moore in 1891. The many unmarked graves suggest burials here since the city's beginning. There are at least 20 interments of those born before the ending of slavery in 1865. Mary Gammon, born in 1817, is the earliest known birth evidenced in both cemeteries.
The site was originally owned by Nathan S. Blount and was eventually deeded to L.O. Gold who owned the property when Tamer Moore was buried. His widow, Mrs. B.M. Gold, turned the land and administration over to Trustees Colored Cemetery of Bartow formed by Charles H. Macon, Jack C. Longworth, Clarence C. Johnson, Thomas Gammon, Rev. Miles F. Boone, Rev. A. Laster, Sam Burkett, J.B. Franklin, and Robert Gayden.
(Continued from other side)
(side 2)
Marked graves have a wide range of materials and designs—many including ground level vaults. Other markers consist of marble, granite, bronze, and concrete. Many family plots are marked by gravel, copings, and fence.
Burials include early Black pioneers, former enslaved individuals, religious, business, and community leaders, veterans, and the beloved families of Bartow and nearby communities. In addition, there are more than 1500 undocumented burials in the two cemeteries.
As of 2021, Evergreen and Palm Cemeteries remain active. The care and reverence of this site evokes memories and serves as a reminder of the lives of loved ones.
Erected 2022 by the Polk County Historic Commission / City of Bartow. (Marker Number PCHC-029.)
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 1851.
Location. 27° 53.833′ N, 81° 51.332′ W. Marker is in Bartow, Florida, in Polk County. Marker can be reached from West Main Street west of Baker Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 236 Baker Avenue, Bartow FL 33830, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mann Manor (approx. 0.6 miles away); Site of Fort Blount (approx. 0.7 miles away); Old Polk County Courthouse (approx. ¾ mile away); Swearingen - Langford House (approx. 1.1 miles away); Historic L. B. Brown House (approx. 1.3 miles away); Union Academy High School (approx. 2.1 miles away); Memorial for Austin C. Welch (approx. 2.4 miles away); Col. Zachary Taylor Trail & Causeway (approx. 2.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bartow.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 212 times since then and 88 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 24, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.