Pensacola in Escambia County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
A.M.E. Zion Cemetery
Established c. 1886
| | Pensacola's Historic Cemeteries | |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 19, 2025
1. A.M.E. Zion Cemetery Marker
The A.M.E. Zion Burial Association was one of many burial associations that flourished in Pensacola after the Civil War. These organizations formed to offer support for community members in times of sickness or need. The primary purpose of burial associations was to ensure that people of color received a dignified funeral and burial. In 1886, the A.M.E. Zion Burial Association purchased this land for a burial ground. At least one marker pre-dates the purchase of the land, suggesting the cemetery was already in use before a formal deed was issued.
Many fraternal organizations are represented in A.M.E. Zion and Magnolia Cemeteries. Along with church affiliations, membership provided a strong social bond for people. Almost all of these organizations offered burial benefits with membership. Look for symbols representing Knights of Pythias, Masons, Odd Fellows, and others in both cemeteries. Some fraternal organizations ordered marble markers for their members. Others employed a local artisan responsible for many of the vernacular (hand-crafted) markers.
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D. J. Cunninghams marker is an example of a marble fraternal
this page online
This 1916 excerpt from Pensacolas Colored Citizen newspaper advertises benefits offered by the American Woodmen organization.
Background image: Funeral procession, c. 1920, by Rox Cowley.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.
Location. 30° 25.431′ N, 87° 13.526′ W. Marker is in Pensacola, Florida, in Escambia County. It is at the intersection of North A Street and West Brainerd Street, on the left when traveling north on North A Street. The marker is beside the sidewalk at the southwest corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1100 North A Street, Pensacola FL 32501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Panhandle. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 19, 2025
2. A.M.E. Zion Cemetery Marker
Looking southwest from North A Street.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Magnolia Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); North Hill Preservation District (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort San Bernardo (approx. Ό mile away); General Francisco De Miranda (approx. 0.4 miles away); Jackie Robinson Unity Court (approx. half a mile away); Pensacola Blues (approx. half a mile away); Basquiat's Artful Journey (approx. 0.6 miles away); Dolores Huerta Harmony Stream (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pensacola.
Also see . . . A.M.E. Zion Church Cemetery (West Florida Genealogical Society).
Excerpt: This Black cemetery was indexed by Eagle Scout Sam D. Cooke as an Eagle Scout Project for Troop 180 under the direction of Scoutmaster Willie H. Dean (Scoutmaster in 1980 and Spring of 1981). No inscriptions were included.(Submitted on April 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)At that time, there were approximately 300 graves, the oldest being Matthew Faulk, who died on March 5, 1900. Some more common names found in the cemetery are Wilson, Williams, Smith and Jones.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 19, 20253. A.M.E. Zion Cemetery
Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 18 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
