Isaac Nettles Gravestones facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Isaac Nettles Gravestones
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Marker for "Mother" Nettles, born January 1859 and died July 6, 1933
Location in Alabama
Nearest city	Carlton, Alabama
Area	less than one acre
Architect	Nettles, Issac Sr.
MPS	Clarke County MPS
NRHP reference No.	00000141
Added to NRHP	February 24, 2000

Have you ever seen a really unique gravestone? The Isaac Nettles Gravestones are three very special and unusual headstones. You can find them in the Mount Nebo Baptist Church Cemetery. This cemetery is near Carlton, in a quiet, rural part of Clarke County, Alabama.

These gravestones are so unique that they were added to a special list called the National Register of Historic Places. This happened on February 24, 2000. Being on this list means they are important historical places.

Discovering the Special Gravestones

The gravestones are located at the Mount Nebo Baptist Church. This church has a long history. It was started in the 1800s and has always been an important place for the African American community.

What Makes Them Unique?

The three Nettles markers are made from concrete. What makes them truly special are the death masks on them. A death mask is a copy of a person's face, usually made after they have passed away. Experts believe these masks show the faces of the people buried there.

Who Created These Markers?

These unique gravestones are thought to be the work of Isaac "Ike" Nettles. He was a local man who created them between 1933 and 1946. It's amazing to think that one person crafted these special memorials.

How They Look Today

When the gravestones were studied in 2000, they had not held up perfectly against the weather. Concrete can wear down over time. However, the most detailed marker was still in good condition. This marker is special because it has three different masks on it.