Greenfield Cemetery
Livingston, Polk County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1846, local officials designated a block in the central part of Livingston for use as a cemetery for local African Americans. Originally called Livingston Colored Cemetery, the burial ground was bounded by Feagin, Tyler, Sherman and Houston streets. As the railroad brought new residents to the city in the 1880s, cemetery space became limited. In the 1890s, leaders from the Black community sought the advice of County Judge Arthur B. Green, and he offered to give the citizens three acres of land for a new cemetery. Trustees of the cemetery accepted the gift on October 24, 1896. They moved the graves from the original location to the new site and changed the cemetery name to Greenfield to reflect the judge's generosity. In 1910, cemetery trustees bought additional land from Green's widow and children. The cemetery's earliest marked grave dates to 1906, but dozens of earlier graves exist. The military service and fraternal organization markers found throughout the burial ground reflect the contributions, efforts and work of generations of the area's African American residents. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2003
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1846 Livingston officials set aside a downtown block as a cemetery for the town's African American residents, first known as Livingston Colored Cemetery. When railroad growth crowded the site in the 1880s and 1890s, community leaders accepted three acres offered by County Judge Arthur B. Green, moved the graves in 1896, and renamed the ground Greenfield in his honor. Though the oldest marked stone dates to 1906, dozens of earlier burials lie here, and military and fraternal markers throughout attest to generations of Black life and service.
Why it matters
Greenfield preserves nearly two centuries of African American community, faith, and service in a single East Texas town, from the era of slavery through the twentieth century.
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Related people
- · Arthur B. Green
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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