Abandoned cemeteries in Florida are a hidden part of the state’s history, with thousands of graveyards left neglected and forgotten. These sites, including several on the Treasure Coast, hold important cultural, genealogical, and historical value, yet many remain unmarked or at risk of disappearing entirely.
Abandoned Cemeteries in Florida: An Overview
According to the Florida Division of Historical Resources, the number of abandoned cemeteries in Florida may exceed the total of those officially recorded. State agencies estimate that up to 8,000 abandoned cemeteries exist throughout Florida, far more than the 2,322 listed in the Florida Master Site File, the state’s cultural resource inventory.
This widespread neglect is not a new problem. In 1998, the Florida Legislature created an abandoned-cemetery task force to address complaints and collect data. The task force reported that as many as half of the 3,580 cemeteries identified statewide were abandoned or neglected, representing a significant loss of historical and archaeological value. The report concluded that the issue was serious enough to warrant government intervention, recommending local governments take responsibility for these sites.
Historic and Abandoned Cemeteries on the Treasure Coast
The Treasure Coast region, including St. Lucie County, Martin County, and Indian River County, is home to many historically significant cemeteries. Some are well maintained, while others have fallen into disrepair or have been forgotten altogether.
Eden Cemetery: St. Lucie County’s Abandoned Graveyard
Eden Cemetery is the only cemetery on the Treasure Coast listed as abandoned in the University of Florida database. Located on Indian River Drive in St. Lucie County, this overgrown, wooded plot is one of the last remnants of the historic Eden settlement. Founded in 1887, the cemetery predates the formation of St. Lucie County itself.
According to the Florida Public Archaeology Network, Eden Cemetery was originally the burial site for about 40 individuals, but only six marked graves remain today. Among those buried is Thomas Richards, the founder of the Eden settlement and pioneer of the region’s pineapple industry. The site is at risk of desecration and private development, as ownership records are unclear, according to the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser’s Office.
Florida law allows counties or municipalities to maintain and secure abandoned cemeteries or those left unmaintained for more than six months. St. Lucie County officials have stated that they are reviewing historical and property records to determine the site’s legal status and considering the logistics and obligations involved in taking responsibility for the cemetery.
Gomez Pioneer Cemetery: Rediscovering Unmarked Graves
Gomez Pioneer Cemetery in Hobe Sound is another example of a historic cemetery at risk. Ground-penetrating radar has revealed far more graves than the number of visible headstones. Community efforts, led by local archaeologists, have focused on restoring the graveyard and identifying unmarked graves to prevent them from being lost to history.
Zora Neale Hurston’s Grave: From Unmarked to Historic Site
One of Florida’s most notable formerly lost graves belongs to Zora Neale Hurston, the renowned Harlem Renaissance writer. Hurston was buried in an unmarked grave in the segregated Garden of Heavenly Rest cemetery in Fort Pierce in 1960. In the 1970s, author Alice Walker located the grave and purchased a headstone, transforming the site into a place of literary pilgrimage.
Why Are So Many Florida Cemeteries Abandoned?
Many abandoned cemeteries in Florida were originally family plots or church graveyards that became neglected as communities moved, churches closed, or land was subdivided and sold. Over time, records were lost, and maintenance ceased, leaving graves unmarked and overgrown.
Different state agencies have varying estimates of the number of cemeteries, complicating efforts to document and protect them. According to Sarah Miller of the Florida Public Archaeology Network, the exact number is difficult to determine, but the loss of these sites means losing valuable information about community history, genealogy, and social values. In some cases, families may wait decades for closure, as seen when a body found in St. Lucie County was identified after 40 years, highlighting the challenges of record-keeping and cemetery neglect.
Risks Facing Abandoned Cemeteries: Vandalism and Development
Abandoned cemeteries are vulnerable to vandalism and theft. In the 2000s, a series of grave robberies occurred in Fort Pierce and Stuart, with metal crosses and bronze flowerpots stolen from graves and sold for scrap. Police reported that new state regulations in 2008, requiring scrap metal dealers to record sellers’ identification, helped reduce these crimes.
Vandalism remains a concern. In 2023, a 110-year-old gravestone at All Saints Episcopal Church cemetery in Martin County was toppled and damaged. Local law enforcement officials, including the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, have expressed personal and community outrage over such incidents. In addition to vandalism, there have been incidents where fire incidents at cemeteries north of Fort Pierce have raised concerns about the safety and preservation of these historic sites.
Notable Cemeteries on the Treasure Coast
- Ashley Family Cemetery: Gravesite of the Ashley Gang, infamous bank robbers from the 1920s.
- Carlton Cemetery: Maintained by a pioneer ranching family; includes the grave of Thad Carlton, whose land sale enabled the development of Port St. Lucie.
- Crestlawn Cemetery: City-owned cemetery in Vero Beach, burial site of artist and architect Waldo Sexton.
- Garden of Heavenly Rest: Formerly segregated cemetery in Fort Pierce where Zora Neale Hurston is buried.
- Gomez Pioneer Cemetery: Historic cemetery in Hobe Sound, now subject to restoration efforts.
- Palms Cemetery: Located in Ankona, burial site of Florida Governor Daniel McCarty.
- Pine Grove Cemetery: Final resting place of five original Highwaymen artists in Fort Pierce.
- Port Mayaca Cemetery: Mass grave of victims from the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane, owned by the City of Pahokee.
- Spruce Bluff Cemetery: Part of the Spruce Bluff Preserve in Port St. Lucie, includes pioneer graves.
- Viking Cemetery: Remnant of a small Scandinavian settlement in St. Lucie County.
- Washington Memorial Cemetery: Established for Jensen Beach’s Black community in the 1880s.
- Winter Beach Cemetery: Burial site of Indian River County’s original settlers and descendants.
Efforts to Protect Florida’s Abandoned Cemeteries
Local governments have the authority to maintain and secure abandoned cemeteries, but challenges remain due to unclear ownership and limited resources. Preservationists and archaeologists continue to advocate for documentation and protection of these sites, emphasizing their importance as both outdoor museums and sacred places of remembrance.
According to the Florida Division of Funeral, Cemetery and Consumer Services, ongoing efforts to inventory and protect cemeteries are complicated by incomplete records and shifting land ownership. Community involvement and awareness are key to ensuring these sites are not permanently lost. In some tragic cases, disasters have caused irreparable damage, such as when a fire destroyed a cemetery building near Fort Pierce, Florida, underscoring the urgent need for preservation and emergency planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Abandoned Cemeteries in Florida
What is an abandoned cemetery in Florida?
An abandoned cemetery in Florida is a burial ground that has not been maintained or cared for, often for many years. These sites may have unmarked graves, overgrown vegetation, and unclear ownership records.
How many abandoned cemeteries are there in Florida?
State agencies estimate there may be up to 8,000 abandoned cemeteries in Florida, although only about 2,300 are officially recorded. The exact number is difficult to determine due to missing records and underreporting.
Are there abandoned cemeteries on the Treasure Coast?
Yes, there are several historic and abandoned cemeteries on the Treasure Coast, including Eden Cemetery in St. Lucie County and Gomez Pioneer Cemetery in Hobe Sound. Some are at risk of being lost due to neglect or development.
Can local governments take over abandoned cemeteries?
Florida law allows counties and municipalities to maintain and secure abandoned cemeteries or those not cared for in over six months. Local officials can declare a cemetery abandoned and take steps to protect it.
Where are some notable historic cemeteries in Port St. Lucie and nearby areas?
Notable cemeteries include Spruce Bluff Cemetery in Port St. Lucie, Eden Cemetery in St. Lucie County, and Garden of Heavenly Rest in Fort Pierce. Each site has unique historical significance for the region.
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