In 1853, a quiet patch of land in Minneapolis became the final resting place for its first resident. This marked the beginning of Spring Hill Cemetary’s story. Spring Hill Cemetary, originally known as Layman’s Cemetery, stands as a testament to Minneapolis’s early history. The Layman family, who owned the land, opened the cemetery in 1858, the same year Minnesota achieved statehood. Spring Hill Cemetary became the resting place for pioneers, soldiers, and many children who sadly didn’t live to see their tenth birthdays. Spring Hill Cemetary holds the stories of ordinary lives and notable figures. Infamous Minneapolis resident Harry Hayward, a suspected serial killer convicted of murder in 1895, is buried here. His handcuffs and a piece of the rope used for his hanging are displayed at the Hennepin History Museum. In stark contrast, William Goodridge, a key figure in the Underground Railroad, also rests here. His presence has led to the cemetery’s nomination for the National Park Service’s “Underground Railroad Network to Freedom” program. Many Black veterans, including Civil War soldier Oscar Vaughn of the 16th United States Colored Infantry, are also interred at Spring Hill Cemetary. While the cemetery closed to new burials in 1919, with approximately 27,000 interred, and around 7,000 remains relocated in the 1920s, it remains a poignant reminder of Minneapolis’s beginnings. The widely spaced headstones, some unmarked, evoke a sense of quiet respect, offering a peaceful final resting place amidst the bustling city.
The Afrocentric Spectrum Mural
What whispers do the walls of a city hold? The Afrocentric Spectrum Mural, here on University Avenue, speaks volumes about