Elmwood Cemetery Detroit

Elmwood Cemetery Detroit, located at 1200 Elmwood St, Detroit, MI 48207, is the oldest non-denominational cemetery currently operating in Detroit, Michigan. Elmwood began  its long history in 1846 when six notable protestant citizens of Detroit collaborated and proposed the idea of creating a cemetery within the suburbs of the city that would welcome all individuals. The founders started with around 40 acres, and by 1896, they’d grown to 86. It is both a gorgeous and important historical Landmark in the Black community in Detroit, being that it is the site where many staple figures in Black culture were buried. Within the walls of this cemetery lay many names, including Michigan’s first millionaire, Margaret Mather, mayors, governors, businessmen, lawyers, doctors, and those who fought in the civil war (namely the 102nd US colored troops), for which they have their own designated plot. 

From its birth, the cemetery has always been integrated, as all are equal in death, and has always been a popular burial ground for Black citizens. Famed Black historian Dr. Norman McRae stated that, “In 1910 Detroit had a population of 300,000 people but only 5000 were Black. There weren’t many of us here. Those who were, were buried in Elmwood.” The cemetery holds notable members of Black history such as Abolitionist, George DeBaptiste, Teacher, Fannie Richards, and Humanitarian, Mother Charleszetta Waddles. More notable figures from the cemetery are Dr. Charles H. Wright, who founded the Detroit Museum of African American History, and Elizabeth Denison Forth who was born a slave and fought, alongside her brother, for her freedom. The website for the cemetery provides a list of biographies that continue to name the abolitionists, political and spiritual leaders, artists, and numerous others that contributed to Black culture, history, and freedom, stating that they recognize and take much pride in the historical achievements and contributions of those who were buried there. Elmwood has such a significant role in Black history that in 2016, Elmwood Cemetery was noted to be a significant site for the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom by the National Parks Service.

The cemetery itself is beautifully and uniquely designed, with tombstones of all colors, shapes, and sizes, some with histories of their own. One grave is even marked with a tree trunk instead of the traditional tombstone, meant to show a life cut short. Atop the trunk rests a large stone which, according to Elmwood Historic Foundation Executive Director Joan Capuano, symbolizes eternity. There are several unique graves that exist at this site, including the Cameron water memorial which depicts a stunning marble sculpture titled “the veiled lady at Elmwood”, the Albert Stevens sarcophagus which leads to a private underground Mausoleum which holds his entire family, and an eye catching Black box that holds Detroit’s first Black mayor, Coleman Young.

Built into the cemetery is a plaque that details a portion of its earlier history, describing the events of the 1763  Battle of Bloody run where the creeks were said to have turned red with the blood of both sides. Elmwood Cemetery is also an arboretum, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, and home to over 100 different species of trees, many of which are over a century in age. The trees at the site have QR codes that can be scanned with a smartphone to discover more information about the age and species of the trees. Alongside these natural monuments, man made ones exist to tell the stories of those buried there, obelisks designed to describe the life of someone who achieved something that they set out to accomplish, and countless words detailed on old tombstones. Many of these words, however, have been worn away by the elements, the brilliant depictions of life now reduced to smudges on stones. Capuano wishes to restore them to their original state or closer with the help of a grant that can assist the foundation in their restoration efforts.

“African American Heritage at Elmwood Cemetery | Detroit Historical Society.” Detroithistorical.org, detroithistorical.org/things-do/events-calendar/events-listing/african-american-heritage-elmwood-cemetery. Accessed 22 Nov. 2021.

“Elizabeth Denison Forth ‘Lisette’ | Biographies.” Www.elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org, www.elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org/biographies/elizabeth-lisette-denison/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2021.

“Elmwood Celebrates Black History | Breaking News.” Www.elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org, www.elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org/breaking-news/elmwood-celebrates-Black-history/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2021.

Giles, Paris. “Sacred Earth at Elmwood Cemetery.” BLAC Detroit Magazine, 3 Oct. 2019, www.blac.media/news-features/sacred-earth-at-elmwood-cemetery/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2021.

“History of Elmwood Cemetery | Historic Elmwood Foundation.” Www.elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org, www.elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org/historic-elmwood-foundation/history-of-elmwood-cemetery/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2021.

Oliver, Michelle. “A Tour of the Oldest Integrated Cemetery in Michigan.” WDIV, 25 Oct. 2021, www.clickondetroit.com/live-in-the-d/2021/10/25/a-tour-of-the-oldest-integrated-cemetery-in-michigan/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2021.

Stein, Emma. “Cemetery Tour Offer Glimpses of the Past, Hidden Graves and Cursed Tombstones.” Detroit Free Press, www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2021/10/10/glimpse-inside-cemetery-tours-educational-halloween-activity/5876683001/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2021.