By Kareem McMichael
Sept. 8, 2024 – Take a ride down Palm Drive and Chevis road in unincorporated Chatham County and you will notice homes and forest. But in the heart of the area is the remnants of history that have been lost to time. Southfield Cemetery is now hidden by brush, weeds, trees and trash. Paul Washington, a descendant of those who are resting there, is on a mission to restore what he describes as “sacred ground.”
Originally established as a burial site for freed slaves from the nearby Grove Point Plantation, the cemetery fell into disarray over the past two decades. As Washington reflects on his family’s connection to this site, he reveals the urgent need for restoration and recognition.
A Family Legacy
“Southfield is our family cemetery,” explained Washington, his voice filled with passion. “The oldest grave I’ve seen dates back to 1888.” Southfield, once a well-maintained resting place for generations of his family, now suffers from neglect.
The family has two other cemeteries in the area that they maintain but over the years Southfield has become increasingly overgrown, a stark contrast to the former dignity Washington remembered from his childhood and young adult years.
Years ago, Washington’s aunt led efforts to clean the cemetery and upkeep. His aunt was direct with him and his cousin Daren that she wanted them to take the baton and keep the mission going. After his aunt passed and generations changed the task proved overwhelming.
“We needed more help,” he said. “The majority of our family is older women. The majority of those who volunteered are older women, and a few men in the family. Leaving the physical labor to a limited few.”
Despite these challenges, Washington’s family remains committed to restoring the cemetery to its former beauty.
The Path to Recognition
The importance of this cemetery goes beyond family ties; it represents a significant piece of African American history in the region. Washington’s aunt emphasized the need to keep the site neat and pristine, allowing future generations to honor their ancestors.
“It’s sacred ground,” he said. “Nobody deserves to die and not rest in peace.”
In his pursuit of restoration, Washington reached out to Chatham County for assistance with finding grants to clean the cemetery. While that is still a need, Washington did catch the attention of the Metropolitan Planning Commission, and they offered to help.
“I didn’t know much about the process,” he admits, but he was determined to honor his aunt’s dying wish – to ensure that the cemetery receives the attention it deserves. “We just need help,” he said, highlighting the need for community support and funding. “I don’t want any money, but I want funding to help clean and restore the cemetery.”
The response from local officials has been encouraging, he said.
Washington describes his interactions with the commission as positive.
“No doors have been closed in my face,” he said, “Everyone has been very helpful and shown interest in helping us get this sacred place recognized.”
The process has led Washington and his family to having recognition considered for the cemetery as a historic site.
On Sept. 4, Washington went before the Chatham County Historic Preservation Commission to see if Southfield Cemetery would be designated a historic property.
According to a staff report, little information could be found about the cemetery but according to a state survey, the cemetery is ca. 1880. According to Washington’s application, “the history of Southfield Cemetery dates to 1820 when it was established as a burial ground for the African American community during a time of segregation.” Like many cities at the time in the United States, Savannah, had separate cemeteries for different racial and ethnic groups.
A Community Effort
Restoring Southfield Cemetery is a huge undertaking, but Washington remains hopeful. “I’m praying for grant money,” he said. His focus is not on monetary gain for himself, but on raising funds to clean and maintain the site. “It’s not about the money to me,” he emphasizes, “it’s about getting this place clean and making sure that generations to come in my family have a place to rest. There are still family members who own plots here but we can’t get to them.”
This sentiment resonates well with Washington, whose family has deep roots in the area. As he walks through the cemetery, he points out the graves of some of his relatives.
“Our whole family is here. My great-great-great grandparents are out here,” he said. “Cemeteries like this are where our people have been laid to rest for generations.”
He hopes that by sharing the story of Southfield Cemetery, others will feel compelled to help.
Historical Significance
According to the Metropolitan Planning Commision, in the late 18th and 19th centuries, several large plantations were located between the Great and Little Ogeechee Rivers. Wild Heron Plantation, located at the intersection of Wild Heron and Grove Point Roads, is one of the oldest domestic structures in the state. By the 1830’s nearly 1,000 slaves worked in the rice fields on the Ogeechee.
After the Civil War, many former slaves remained in the area. Establishing Burroughs community which was incorporated in 1898. The community was carved out of land originally associated with the plantation with some land being sold to former slaves and other parts kept by the slave owners. By 1921 the charter for the Burroughs community would be revoked.
Read past articles about the former Burroughs community
In 2011 some Historic Preservation students from the Savannah College of Art and Design conducted oral histories with residents and carried out research on the community as well.
Washington explains that Southfield Cemetery is one of the few remaining sites that commemorate the lives of those who were enslaved in the area.
“This is the only Black cemetery in the Ogeechee Farms. The original mayor of Burroughs township is buried here,” he said. The cemetery holds significant historical value, not only for the Washington family but for the broader community.
“When I was a kid, it was all segregated with Black on one side and whites on the other,” he remembers. “Now, it’s different. There’s different groups living in this area.”
Washington reflects on how the cemetery once served as a boundary, a symbol of the racial divide that existed in Savannah. Today, he hopes to foster unity through the restoration project.
Washington said despite the changes in the area racially over time that people in the community, no matter what background, have been willing to help over the years.
The Way Forward
As Washington prepared for the meeting on Sept. 4, with the Historic Preservation Commission, he remained optimistic about the cemetery’s future.
“Today is the day they’re going to make a decision on the sign,” he said, referring to the potential for a historic site marker. “I would be happy for the sign to go there. Even if they don’t make a decision today, I just need attention brought to it.”
Fortunately for Washington his family has overcome another step on the path forward. At that September meeting, the Chatham County Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval to the Chatham County Board of Commissioners for the historic property designation and listing on the Chatham County Register of Historic Places for the Southfield Cemetery, because the site is a significant historic resource that meets the criteria for designation as outlined in the Chatham County Historic Preservation Ordinance.
Now the process goes before the Chatham County Board of Commissioners for their approval. According to the MPC, if a property is listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places — individually or as part of a historic district — it is eligible to receive federal and state preservation tax incentives and grants.
“Southfield Cemetery grew in size and importance in the African American community. It has become a symbol of resilience and strength, a place where the stories and struggles of generations were interred,” said Washington. “Many notable individuals found their eternal rest in this historic cemetery. Leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and educate.”
He envisions regular clean-up days where families can come together to honor their ancestors and maintain the cemetery.
“On the first Saturday of the month, families show up to clean the other cemeteries nearby. Family members of all ages. Once Southfield is cleared I want to have the families come here regularly and maintain it,” he said, highlighting the community spirit that exists within his neighborhood.
Washington’s commitment to preserving his family’s history is deep. He describes the emotional weight of his responsibility.
I’m so emotional right now because somebody paid attention to our story,” he said.
His hope is that this attention will translate into action, leading to real and long-term improvements at Southfield Cemetery.
A Call to Action
As he looks to the future, Washington calls for support from individuals and organizations alike.
“I just need people to see it and understand we need help. I am a landscaper but this is a lot of land to clear for a few people. It will take funding and manpower,” he said.
With the right resources and community backing, he believes that Southfield Cemetery can be transformed into a place of remembrance and respect.
According to the Georgia Historic Preservation Division individuals and communities throughout Georgia can utilize local Historic Preservation Ordinances, Certified Local Governments and other Housing Preservation and Development programs, services and tools, to integrate historic preservation into community planning, economic development, heritage tourism and more.
As he continues to advocate for this sacred ground, he invites others to join him in the effort to honor the past and pave the way for future generations.
Kareem McMichael is a filmmaker, documentarian, writer, and multimedia content creator. The Macon native enjoys entertainment, and sharing with locals and visitors’ stories about Savannah’s art and culture scene. When he is not working, he enjoys relaxing at the beach, grabbing a beverage, hitting a fun art event. You can find his work at https://kmcmichael.weebly.com