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Restoration Underway at South Asheville Cemetery After Hurricane Helene

Volunteers restoring South Asheville Cemetery after hurricane damage

News Summary

The South Asheville Cemetery, a historic site, faces significant damage from Hurricane Helene. Restoration efforts led by Phyllis Utley aim to repair headstones and preserve the cemetery’s significance. Volunteers from the community are joining the efforts to honor those interred and maintain the site’s legacy for future generations.

Asheville, NC – The South Asheville Cemetery has recently suffered widespread damage due to Hurricane Helene, resulting in broken headstones and fallen trees across the historic burial site. Restoration efforts are now underway, led by Phyllis Utley, the manager of the Cemetery Remembrance Project, who is dedicated to repairing the damage and preserving the cemetery’s cultural significance.

Utley feels a profound personal obligation to oversee the restoration work, as her family has ancestral ties to the cemetery. She views the act of restoring the grave markers not just as a maintenance task, but as a means of keeping the history of the site alive. The emotional impact of the storm’s destruction has been difficult for many in the community, posing a challenge that Utley and her volunteers are committed to addressing.

Established in the mid-1800s, the South Asheville Cemetery is historically significant as it was the burial ground for many African Americans, including enslaved individuals. The site was owned by Confederate Major William Wallace McDowell and is notable for having George Avery, a former slave, serve as its first caretaker until his passing in 1940.

The cemetery, located behind St. John “A” Baptist Church, originally formed part of the independent town of Kenilworth until its annexation by Asheville in 1929. Among the approximately 2,000 African Americans buried there, the cemetery contains 93 headstones with identifiable information, while many graves remain unmarked or bear unreadable markings. The cemetery was closed by the city during the post-annexation period in the 1940s, yet cleanup efforts began in the 1980s and 1990s to restore the space.

The South Asheville Cemetery Project in 1989 recorded oral histories from local African American residents regarding their deceased relatives buried in the cemetery, reinforcing the community’s connection to the site. In 2014, students and alumni from Warren Wilson College created a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) grave map to aid in the cataloging and preservation of graves within the cemetery.

Utley’s current restoration campaign not only aims to repair physical damages but also to ensure that future generations remember and honor the legacy of those interred at the cemetery. Community involvement is considered essential to the success of this restoration project. Volunteers contribute by helping with the cleanup and maintenance of the sacred grounds, emphasizing a collaborative approach to preservation.

As the restoration works progress, Utley encourages community members, including high school students, local churches, and nonprofits to participate in the efforts. The response from volunteers has been positive, reflecting the community’s commitment to preserving their history and honoring those who have passed. Without this support, maintaining the cemetery and the stories it tells would be an insurmountable challenge.

The South Asheville Cemetery stands as a testament to a rich but often overlooked history of African Americans in the region. As the restoration unfolds, it represents more than just a physical repair; it is a vital link to a past that shapes the present and future of the community. The ongoing efforts illustrate the power of collective action within the community to reclaim and preserve this historic site.