Historic Cemetery Gets New Marker – Gives Up Secrets

A new subject marker from the Texas Historical Commission was recently dedicated at Rosewood Cemetery. Join us this Saturday, April 16th at 10 a.m. as we dedicate the Texas Historical Commission subject marker for Rosewood Cemetery. Galveston’s first cemetery for use by African Americans was actively used between 1911 and 1944. Years of neglect, vandalism and increased development surrounding the site altered its appearance. Runoff from rains brought sediment into the cemetery, covering many of the headstones. Ongoing research and investigations by GHF volunteers and staff continue to uncover more information about Rosewood and the more than 400 people buried there. Last month, a memorial marker for two people was discovered just inches below the surface.

Rosewood Cemetery is a 1 acre site donated to GHF by Judy and John Saracco in December 2006. Since then, countless hours have been invested by the community in maintaining and restoring the cemetery. A list of people interred at Rosewood can be found at: www.galvestonhistory.org/RosewoodCemetryLedger.asp.
If your family has a connection with Rosewood Cemetery, GHF would like to hear your story. Rosewood Cemetery is located off Seawall Boulevard on 63rd Street, behind the Golden Corral Restaurant. For more information, contact Brian Davis at 409.765.3419 or brian.davis@galvestonhistory.org