The Remains of African-American Soldiers are Lost Among The Ruins Of America’s Historic Abandoned & Neglected Cemeteries.
We are proud to recognize those interred in Houston's Evergreen Negro Cemetery.
Evergreen Negro Cemetery presently consists of approximately 6.52 acres off I-10 East at Lockwood Dr. and Market Street in the Fifth Ward of Houston, Texas. The Evergreen Cemetery was initially established around 1893. According to Deed Records, A. K. Kelly, (a former slave) Edward Lee, and W. B. Zinkey purchased the burial ground in 1929. During the years of 1957 to 1960 several actions destroyed portions of the Cemetery. The State of Texas, City of Houston, and Harris County authorized the widening of Lockwood Drive and the construction of IH-10. Lockwood was extended from Sonora to Liberty and ran directly through the cemetery. According to historical documents this resulted in the removal and re-interment of 490 paupers and unknown persons to make way for the current street. The disinterred remains were re -interred at other established cemeteries. Johnson’s Funeral Home was awarded the contract for these activities. Though once abandoned and neglected, and overrun with criminal activity, efforts today are underway for the full preservation and restoration of this historical site.
Cooperative partnerships and volunteers have a vision and purpose in seeing the Evergreen Negro Cemetery as a historic place where they can make a difference. We envision a place where Art, History, Science, and Technology merge to create a place where we can all make a mark in history, while immersing ourselves in the disciplines we bring to recreate this monument of history.
We are collectively charged with the singularly unique and honorable opportunity to create an indelible tribute to those who served our country with pride, valor, and determination in spite of daunting circumstances of poverty and racism.
The remains of Former slaves, “Buffalo Soldiers”, who so distinguished themselves by honorable service in the 9th and 10th Calvary Units and the 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments of the United States Army all lay among the ruins of the once abandoned Evergreen Negro Cemetery. This naming of African–American soldiers, “Buffalo Soldiers”, is attributed to the Cheyenne Indians because of their fierce fighting abilities. Subsequently, “Buffalo Soldier” became the generic term for all African-American soldiers of that period of history.
What’s our next charge? Instituting a commemorative celebration and monument for African-American Soldiers scattered among the ruins of abandoned, neglected and forgotten cemeteries, in Texas, across the United States and eventually International. We will encourage the construction of a commemorative monument at the site of the Evergreen Negro Cemetery.
Pvt. George H. Lofton 10th Calvary Died April 16, 1939
The Four Soldiers of Evergreen Negro Cemetery Are Without Standard U. S. Military Markers
