Mt Olive Cemetery
As you survey this historic cemetery, you're looking at one of Jackson's oldest African American burial grounds. Established in the 19th century, these grounds tell a story spanning from slavery to freedom and beyond.

Among those resting here is Jim Hill, who rose from enslavement to become Mississippi's Secretary of State from 1874-1878, and Ida Revels Redmond, daughter of Hiram Revels (the first Black U.S. Senator) and a pioneering advocate for African American women. Many Civil War veterans, including members of the U.S. Colored Troops who fought for the Union, are buried here alongside educators, ministers, and business owners who built Jackson's Black community.

The restoration you see today began as a grassroots effort led by local historian Alferdteen Harrison and the Mt. Olive Cemetery Association. Their work documenting burial records and family histories revealed connections to present-day Jackson families, making this more than a historical site—it's a living family legacy. Each October, descendants gather for a remembrance ceremony, placing flowers on graves and sharing stories that keep their ancestors' memories alive. This sacred ground represents the unbroken connection between Jackson's past and present, with each headstone telling a story of resilience.
Mt. Olive Cemetery: Jackson’s African American History and Legacy

Mt. Olive Cemetery: A Testament to Jackson’s African American History and Legacy

Historical Significance

Mt. Olive Cemetery, located in Jackson, Mississippi, stands as one of the oldest and most significant African American burial sites in the state. Established in the early 1800s, it has long served as the final resting place for a diverse range of individuals from Jackson’s Black community—from enslaved persons to civil rights leaders, educators, activists, and community figures. This cemetery offers a tangible link to over two centuries of African American history in Jackson, making it a vital resource for understanding the lives, struggles, and triumphs of the city’s Black residents.

The cemetery is thought to have originated as a plantation burial ground, likely tied to a larger estate before it became a designated cemetery for African Americans. Evidence suggests that some of the graves date back to the early 1810s and 1820s, including tombstones marking the final resting places of individuals like Susana Brown (born in 1812) and Primus Eubank (born in 1814), some of the earliest known burials. Over the decades, Mt. Olive Cemetery grew to become the most important burial site for African Americans in the Jackson area after Emancipation, as it provided a place where Black families could lay their loved ones to rest in dignity.

Today, Mt. Olive Cemetery offers a poignant reminder of the African American experience in Mississippi, especially during the post-slavery era, Reconstruction, and Jim Crow. The graves reflect the changes in Jackson’s Black community—from those born into slavery to those who helped shape the city’s future through education, politics, and civil rights activism.

Notable Burials and Figures

  • James “Jim” Hill (died in 1903) – An educator and politician who became the first African American Secretary of State in Mississippi (1874–1878). He was also a key figure in the establishment of Jim Hill High School in Jackson, which was named in his honor.
  • Ida Revels Redmond – The daughter of Hiram Revels, the first African American U.S. Senator, and a community activist who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Black people in Jackson and Mississippi.
  • Mary Green Scott and Jessie Mosley Chambliss – Influential local educators and civic leaders who played an important role in Jackson’s Black community.

Many of these individuals were pioneers in the fields of education, politics, and civil rights, and their graves remain markers of their lasting impact. These figures shaped the history of Jackson, Mississippi, and are a testament to the resilience and dedication of the African American community during times of immense hardship and oppression. The cemetery's notable burials also include the graves of freedom fighters and activists who contributed to Mississippi’s battle against segregation and disenfranchisement. Their lives and stories continue to inspire those who seek justice and equality in Jackson and beyond.

Historic view of Mt. Olive Cemetery, Jackson
Mt. Olive Cemetery, Jackson, 2007.
Overgrown gravestones at Mt. Olive Cemetery

Preservation Efforts

Over the decades, Mt. Olive Cemetery fell into a state of neglect. Many of the gravestones were damaged or destroyed by the elements, and overgrown vegetation obscured the markers, making it difficult to discern the identities of those buried there. Unfortunately, this situation is common for historic African American cemeteries, which have often been underfunded and forgotten by both the public and preservation institutions.

In recent years, however, there has been a concerted effort to restore and preserve Mt. Olive Cemetery. This initiative has been led by Jackson State University (JSU), in partnership with local community groups and historians. In 2017, the cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, officially recognizing its importance as a cultural and historical site. The designation has helped raise awareness and attract funding for preservation.

Restoration Projects and Community Engagement

JSU’s Center for University-Based Development has played a critical role in the cemetery’s restoration efforts, leading a project to clean and repair gravestones, recover hidden markers, and document the stories of those interred there. Students and faculty at JSU have been actively involved in the restoration work, including mapping and cataloging the graves, and uncovering historical records that help bring the stories of these individuals back to life.

In addition to grave restoration, the preservation efforts include community art projects that help raise awareness about the cemetery’s historical significance. A recent mural near the cemetery now commemorates several civil rights icons, and efforts to install interpretive signage throughout the cemetery aim to provide visitors with educational resources about the individuals buried there and the broader historical context of their lives.

The goal of these preservation efforts is not just to restore the physical cemetery but to ensure that Mt. Olive becomes an educational resource and historical landmark that reflects the legacy of Jackson’s Black community. Interpretive programs, lectures, and public tours are now offered to visitors who want to learn more about the cemetery’s role in the history of African Americans in Jackson and Mississippi.

Mt. Olive as a Historical Classroom

In its restored state, Mt. Olive Cemetery has become a living classroom—a place where visitors can learn about the rich history of Jackson’s African American community and the pivotal roles that these individuals played in shaping the city's educational, political, and cultural landscape.

JSU envisions Mt. Olive as an outdoor historical classroom where visitors can reflect on the struggles and triumphs of the past while engaging with the stories of those who paved the way for future generations. The cemetery is a place where individuals can gather not just to mourn the loss of life but to honor the contributions of those who fought for freedom, equality, and justice in Mississippi.

Cultural and Community Legacy

Beyond its significance as a burial ground, Mt. Olive Cemetery holds a deep cultural and community legacy. It is a symbol of the resilience of the Black community in Mississippi, whose members, despite systemic disenfranchisement and oppression, continue to fight for justice and equality. By preserving this cemetery, JSU ensures that future generations will understand the importance of honoring their past and the ongoing fight for civil rights and social justice.

The restoration of Mt. Olive Cemetery serves as a powerful reminder that African American history and contributions should never be erased. It is through these efforts that Jackson State University and the broader community ensure that the lives and legacies of those interred in Mt. Olive will not be forgotten.

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