Efforts Underway to Preserve Historic African American Cemetery in Chattanooga

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Chattanooga history advocates are working to preserve the Old Summit Cemetery, a historic African American burial ground that dates back to the 1890s. The cemetery is one of the few remaining physical reminders of the Summit community, an early 20th century Black neighborhood that was displaced by federal land seizures and interstate construction. Researchers have documented the cemetery's ties to significant moments in Chattanooga's history, including the Civil War and World War II. Preservation efforts include detailed research, National Register of Historic Places nominations, and public interpretation initiatives.

Why it matters

The Old Summit Cemetery is one of the last physical vestiges of Chattanooga's historic African American Summit community, which was displaced by wartime needs and infrastructure projects over the decades. Preserving this cemetery is crucial to honoring the memory and legacy of the Summit neighborhood and its residents.

The details

The Old Summit Cemetery is located on Stringers Ridge and dates back to the 1890s. It is one of four historic cemeteries in Chattanooga that have been the focus of preservation efforts by the Middle Tennessee State University Center for Historic Preservation over the past six years. Preservation work began in 2019 when the Chattanooga Mayor's Task Force partnered with MTSU to research and restore several neglected cemeteries, including the Old Summit Cemetery. The cemetery is tied to significant moments in Chattanooga's history, including the Civil War and World War II, and was part of the once-thriving Summit community settled by emancipated African American families in the late 19th century.

• The Old Summit Cemetery dates back to the 1890s.
• Preservation efforts began in 2019 when the Chattanooga Mayor's Task Force partnered with MTSU.
• Research and restoration projects at the cemetery have been ongoing since 2019.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Advocates recommend pausing any new development around the cemetery until research is complete, delineating the cemetery boundaries, restoring the property, and creating access for public interpretation. The goal is to honor those buried there and preserve the legacy of the Summit community for future generations.