King Cemetery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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King Cemetery
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1.1 miles northeast of the junction of U.S. Route 17 and S-19-38, near Adams Run, South Carolina |
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| Area | 2.8 acres (1.1 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 00000586 |
| Added to NRHP | June 13, 2000 |
King Cemetery (also known as 38CH1590) is a very old and important cemetery near Adams Run, in Charleston County, South Carolina. It is a special place where many African American people were buried. This historic site holds at least 183 graves.
People who lived in the area have shared stories about the cemetery. These stories tell us that the graveyard was used a lot during the time of slavery. It continued to be used for burials into the early 1900s.
Contents
What Makes King Cemetery Unique?
King Cemetery is special because of how people marked the graves. Instead of just headstones, families often placed items on the graves.
Grave Decorations and Markers
- Grave Goods: People would leave personal items on the graves. These items could be everyday things like plates, bottles, or even pieces of furniture. This tradition showed respect for the person who had passed away.
- Plant Markers: Another unique way to mark graves was using plants. People would plant trees or other plants to show where someone was buried. This made the cemetery a living memorial.
These traditions give us clues about the culture and beliefs of the people buried there. They show how families honored their loved ones.
A Look at Its History
The history of King Cemetery is closely tied to the history of African Americans in South Carolina. It tells a story of a community.
Use During Slavery
During the time of slavery, many African American people were forced to work without pay. They were often not allowed to bury their loved ones in regular cemeteries. Places like King Cemetery became important burial grounds for these communities. It was a place where they could honor their dead in their own way.
Continuing Use in the 20th Century
Even after slavery ended, King Cemetery remained an important burial site. Families continued to use it for generations. This shows how important the cemetery was to the local African American community. It was a place of memory and connection.
Becoming a Historic Site
Because of its unique features and important history, King Cemetery was recognized as a special place.
National Register of Historic Places
In the year 2000, King Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is an official list of places in the United States that are important to history. Being on this list helps protect the cemetery. It also helps people learn about its past.
This recognition means that King Cemetery is considered a valuable part of American history. It helps us remember the lives and traditions of the people buried there.
