Racial Segregation in Slave and Master Burial Practices: A Historical Overview

Throughout history, especially during the period of slavery, the treatment and burial of individuals significantly reflected the social and racial hierarchies of the time. This article explores the burial practices of both slaves and their masters during the post-slavery era, revealing the stark segregation that often persisted within the same cemeteries.

The Persistence of Segregation in Slave Burial Sites

The practice of burying slaves within the same cemeteries as their masters was not uncommon, but the burial sites themselves often reflected the deep-rooted racial segregation of the time. This segregation was evident even in the northern United States and lasted well into the 20th century. One notable instance was the legacy left by Thaddeus Stevens, a great Republican leader, who chose a cemetery in Philadelphia that accepted both white and black applicants to illustrate his belief in equality before God.

Thaddeus Stevens' grave carries a powerful statement: “I repose in this quiet and secluded spot / Not from any natural preference for solitude / But finding other cemeteries limited as to Race by Charter Rules / I have chosen this that I might illustrate in my death / The Principles which I advocated through a long life / EQUALITY OF MAN BEFORE HIS CREATOR.”

Historical Examples of Racially Segregated Burial Sites

Across the southern states of the United States, including Alabama and eastern North Carolina, numerous examples of racially segregated cemeteries can be found. In Alabama, for instance, the slave cemeteries are often separate from the owner's cemeteries. During a survey, a slave cemetery was discovered near the Alabama river, covered in blooming white iris. This cemetery served all four plantations, highlighting the shared space and yet stark division between the deceased slaves and the masters.

In the English-speaking Caribbean, instances of racial segregation in burial practices are sparse. One notable exception was the case of Arthur Hodge, who was executed for murdering his slave, a young girl named Prosper. After his execution, Hodge was buried adjacent to her, a deliberate act of irony that underscored the extreme inequality.

Evidence of Segregation in 19th Century Cemeteries in Eastern North Carolina

In eastern North Carolina, numerous cemeteries dating back to the 19th century illustrate the racial segregation that persisted in burial practices. In these cemeteries, the graves of white individuals, presumably free, are marked with tombstones containing names and dates, while the graves of black individuals, presumed slaves, often lack such markings. Headstones, bricks, or single stones may mark the graves of slaves, with wooden markers having rotted away over time.

Conclusion

The burial practices of slaves and their masters, particularly those during and after the period of slavery, often reflected the deep-seated racial segregation of the time. While some individuals, like Thaddeus Stevens, sought to promote equality, the overwhelming majority of cemeteries during this period were segregated, reinforcing the inequality experienced by both the living and the dead.