Council designates Cedar Hill Cemetery and addition as local historic landmark, directs cleanup and research

The Rocky Mount City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance designating Cedar Hill Cemetery and the Cedar Hill Cemetery addition as local historic landmarks and instructed staff to pursue cleanup, signage and the historical research that had halted under a previous administration.

City planning staff described the property as a public cemetery that includes graves of several prominent African American leaders from the post–Civil War fusion era and said the cemetery addition dated to about 1915, when the city cemetery board approved a roughly 2-acre purchase. The State Historic Preservation Office provided advisory comments and the Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval.

A resident who spoke during public comment thanked historian Hap Turner and said Cedar Hill (city-owned) and the adjacent Unity Cemetery (privately owned) are in poor condition and need restoration. “This cemetery is owned by the City of Rocky Mount,” the speaker said, urging the council to document, restore and mark the burial sites. The council discussed markers and the visibility of the addition; City Manager Elton Daniels said a marker at both locations would be appropriate and could be pursued within budget constraints.

Councilman Blackwell made a motion emphasizing both designation and cleanup, citing earlier local research efforts led by former councilwoman Lois Watkins and local volunteers; the motion asked that the city restart the historical documentation and proceed with cleanup and signage. Council members voted in favor by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

The designation recognizes the site’s local historical significance; council members said they will work with parks and recreation and planning staff on markers and cleanup logistics and to resume archival and grave-record research.