Swatara Township near Steelton in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Ancestors' Grove

Historic Midland Cemetery

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 27, 2024

1. Ancestors' Grove Marker

Inscription. Welcome! You are standing on the hallowed grounds of Midland Cemetery's “Ancestors' Grove”. This original burial site was established between 1795 and the mid-1800s. It is thought to contain the graves of those who were enslaved in this area. The land records show the graves are located next to the “dump” on this side of Kelker Street.

Part of the cemetery property is also under the street, as the original road went around what was then called the “Colored Cemetery”. Somewhere in the 1930s, the cemetery grounds were encroached upon in the laying out of “Kelker Street”. Midland Cemetery, as it is called now, is what people see today.

The continuation of “Ancestors Grove,” as displayed on the back of this monument, allows you to view the newer area which became the historic “Midland Cemetery” in the mid-1800s. Explore the history this site offers and enjoy the beautiful setting of Historic Midland Cemetery.

Common Names of Some of Those Enslaved in Swatara Township
Peter • Charles • Nancy • George • John • Hattie • Harriet • Jack • Peter • Toby • Ing • Mary • Vina • Frank • Caly • Violet • Andrew • Lena • Thomas • Aggy • Phillip • Pompey • Samuel • Abigal • Barbara • Silas • Jim • Sadie • Polly • Becky • Charlotte • Dinah • Hannah • Fran • Sil • Joan • Alex • Richard • Mary Ann • Frank • Jane

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• Daisy • Olive • Sally • Silah • Sukey • Mahala • Milly • Marie • Emily • Tina • Bridget • Peggy • Felix • Maria

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1795.

Location. 40° 14.267′ N, 76° 49.637′ W. Marker is near Steelton, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. It is in Swatara Township. It is on Kelker Street north of Siegfried Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 209 Kelker St, Harrisburg PA 17113, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country,

in the Susquehanna Valley,

and in Greater Harrisburg.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Midland Cemetery (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Howard Day (approx. 0.7 miles away); Dedicated to all the Veterans (approx. 0.9 miles away); Harrisburg (approx. 1.4 miles away); Foundations of Steel (approx. 1.4 miles away); Paxton Church (approx. 1.4 miles away); Original Location of the Paxton Congregation (approx. 1.8 miles away); Paxton Presbyterian Church (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Steelton.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 27, 2024

2. Ancestors' Grove Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 10, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 175 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 10, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.