First African Baptist Church Cemetery
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Site of the cemetery that served this congregation from 1824 to 1842. Archaeological excavations in the 1980s provided links to ancient African burial customs. The remains were re-interred in Eden Cemetery, Delaware Co., Pa.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
This site held the cemetery that served the First African Baptist Church congregation from 1824 to 1842. Archaeological excavations in the 1980s uncovered burial practices that revealed enduring links to ancient African customs carried across the Atlantic. The remains were respectfully re-interred at Eden Cemetery in Delaware County, one of the oldest Black-owned cemeteries in the nation.
Why it matters
The cemetery's excavation gave rare material evidence of how African cultural and spiritual traditions survived slavery and shaped early Black American life.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.2 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center0.3 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center0.4 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.5 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History0.5 mi away · 101 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA
- Museum of Illusions Philadelphia0.5 mi away · 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.3 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour0.4 mi away
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.4 mi away
- Philly Gun Range0.4 mi away · North Percy Street
- Reading Terminal0.4 mi away
- President's House0.4 mi away
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe0.4 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Dunkin'0.4 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Burger King0.4 mi away
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters0.4 mi away
- Time & Peace0.5 mi away · 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory0.5 mi away
Places to stay
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia0.2 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City0.3 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center0.3 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City0.4 mi away · 1100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia0.4 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA0.4 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Themes & tags
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