You might be surprised to learn that behind these ancient, moss-covered headstones lies not only a resting place but also a story about the fight for land, family, and the memory of Dallas’s early residents. Welcome to the Garvin Memorial Cemetery, a place where history whispers through the wind and time has carved its mark on the earth.
You see before you two distinct burial grounds, the first established in 1874. The Garvin family, relocated to Dallas after the Civil War, built this tract of land together. Here you’ll find the graves of several veterans of the Civil War, along with the Garvin Family and the James Smith Masonic Lodge #395. Though it started as a family plot, it became a community gathering spot for the surrounding Smith Hall neighborhood.
The second portion was created in the early 1900s as an African American Cemetery by John Cochran, a Confederate Army veteran. The site was dedicated in 1894 to the community as a respectful burying ground. While there’s no clear written record, oral history passed down from families in Elm Thicket, a freedman’s town nestled near Garvin Memorial Cemetery, indicate that families with the names Green, Turner, and Shepard are buried here.
The cemetery, now designated as a Dallas Landmark and a state historical marker, has undergone a constant fight for its preservation. In 1897, James Garvin, the original benefactor, donated the property to the public. But what began as a peaceful monument gradually faced pressure from developers and encroaching modernization.
This small place holds a much bigger story. It stands as a reminder of generations past who faced prejudice, hardship, and the constant struggle for a place to call home. The Garvin Memorial Cemetery is more than just a place of rest; it’s a testament to the spirit of the community and a reminder of the rich tapestry of Dallas’s past.