High Point in Guilford County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Oakwood Memorial Cemetery “Colored Section”

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 2, 2023

1. Oakwood Memorial Cemetery “Colored Section” Marker

Inscription. From the eras of slavery to segregation, a time spanning from the 1700's to the 1970's, the laws of North Carolina and many other states mandated that all citizens be labeled as “White” or “Colored.”

When the Oakwood Cemetery was established in 1859, prior to the Civil War, the “Colored” section was designated as the final resting place for those Enslaved and Free Persons of Color.

Erected 2017 by Yalik's Modern Art of High Point • The Kilby of Hope • High Point Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Civil Rights. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.

Location. 35° 57.932′ N, 80° 0.338′ W. Marker is in High Point, North Carolina, in Guilford County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Forrest Street and Mint Avenue. Marker is approximately 150 feet west of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: High Point NC 27262, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Confederate Soldiers Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Capus Waynick (approx. 0.3 miles away); Washington Street Historic District (approx. 0.4 miles away); Maxwell Reid Thurman (approx.

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0.4 miles away); Camp Fisher (approx. 0.4 miles away); First Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Confederate Arms Factory (approx. half a mile away); High Point Veterans Memorial (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in High Point.

Also see . . .
1. Oakwood Memorial Cemetery and the “Colored Section”. A survey of the approximately 1-acre grid at the cemetery found an estimated 455 probable graves but only 99 markers, leaving 356 unmarked graves. (Linda Willard, "History Hindsights" blog, City of High Point, NC; Sept 8, 2023) (Submitted on October 5, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Oakwood Cemetery Walking Tour in High Point. Learn early stories of the African American Community through this curated walking tour of Oakwood Cemetery. (Visit High Point, uploaded July 21, 2022) (Submitted on October 5, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 2, 2023

2. Oakwood Memorial Cemetery “Colored Section” Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 97 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 5, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.