Lincoln Memorial Cemetery

In 1927, a vital sanctuary emerged. Lincoln Memorial Cemetery opened its gates. It offered solace and dignity to African Americans in the Washington D.C. area. At a time of segregation, Lincoln Memorial Cemetery became a beacon of hope. It provided a respectful final resting place when options were limited. This privately-owned cemetery, situated in Suitland, Maryland, stands as a testament to perseverance and community. Lincoln Memorial Cemetery is adjacent to Washington National Cemetery. It sits across from Cedar Hill Cemetery, historically a white cemetery. This location speaks volumes about the social landscape of the time. Lincoln Memorial Cemetery became the final resting place for numerous prominent African Americans. Among them are Walter Washington, the first elected mayor of Washington D.C., and Charles Hamilton Houston, a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights movement, known as “The Man Who Killed Jim Crow”. The cemetery also holds the remains of Carter G. Woodson, “The Father of African American History,” and Charles Richard Drew, a medical pioneer in blood transfusions. The cemetery grounds, designed by landscape architect John H. Small, offer a serene environment. The Bishop W. McCollough mausoleum is a prominent feature. It houses a striking statue of the Bishop, created by Ed Dwight in 1991. Lincoln Memorial Cemetery isn’t just a burial ground. It’s a repository of stories. It’s a place where history and heritage intertwine. It serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in the 20th century.