Lincoln Cemetery: A Historic Sanctuary of African American Heritage
Located in Blue Island, Illinois, Lincoln Cemetery serves as a profound testament to the legacy and achievements of the African American community in the Chicago area. Established during an era of significant social transition, this expansive resting place is more than just a graveyard; it is a cultural archive preserving the stories of pioneers, artists, and trailblazers who shaped American history.
Spanning 112 acres (45 ha), the cemetery is situated in Cook County and currently houses over 16,000 interments. Its serene grounds provide a final resting place for individuals whose contributions spanned the realms of music, literature, aviation, and civil rights.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบKey Facts
- Founded: 1911 by local Black business leaders.
- Location: Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois, USA.
- Size: 112 acres (45 ha).
- Interments: Over 16,000 individuals.
- Management: Currently owned and managed by Dignity Memorial.
- Significance: A primary burial site for historically African American Chicagoans.
History and Management
Lincoln Cemetery was founded in 1911, a time when dedicated spaces for African American burials were essential due to the systemic segregation of the era. It was established through the vision and effort of local Black business leaders who sought to create a dignified space for their community.
The cemetery is located adjacent to Oak Hill Cemetery and Beverly Cemetery. Today, all three of these neighboring sites are managed by the same company, Dignity Memorial, ensuring the continued maintenance of these historic grounds.
A Pantheon of Notable Figures
Lincoln Cemetery is renowned for the extraordinary number of influential African Americans interred there. The site serves as a pilgrimage point for those honoring the architects of jazz, blues, and American intellectual life.
Music and the Arts
The cemetery is a cornerstone for music history, particularly the Chicago blues and jazz scenes. Notable interments include:
- Lillian Hardin Armstrong: A celebrated jazz singer and pianist.
- Florence Beatrice Price: The first African American woman to have a composition performed by a major orchestra.
- Albert and Gene Ammons: Influential jazz pianists and saxophonists.
- Big Bill Broonzy, Jimmy Reed, and Papa Charlie Jackson: Legendary figures in the blues tradition.
Pioneers in Aviation, Literature, and Law
Beyond music, the cemetery honors those who broke systemic barriers in professional fields:
- Bessie Coleman: The first African American woman aviator.
- Gwendolyn Brooks: The first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize for poetry.
- Vivian Harsh: The first African American librarian in the Chicago Public Library.
- Jesse Ernest Wilkins Sr.: Former Undersecretary of Labor under the Eisenhower administration.
Sports and Civil Service
The grounds also hold the remains of early sports icons and public servants, including Andrew Rube Foster, known as the "father of black baseball," and Rodney Long, a Civil War veteran and one of Chicago's earliest African American police detectives.
Historical Tragedy and Remembrance
Lincoln Cemetery also bears witness to the darker chapters of American history. It is the final resting place for at least 14 victims of the Chicago race riot of 1919. Among them is Eugene Williams, whose murder served as a catalyst for the riots. For decades, many of these victims remained in unmarked graves, though recent efforts have sought to bring them the recognition and markers they deserve.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Established | 1911 |
| Location | Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois |
| Total Area | 112 acres (45 ha) |
| Total Interments | 16,000+ |
| Current Owner | Dignity Memorial |
| Coordinates | 41°40′12″N 87°42′09″W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Lincoln Cemetery?
The cemetery was founded in 1911 by a group of local Black business leaders in the Chicago area.
Which famous musicians are buried at Lincoln Cemetery?
Many jazz and blues legends are interred here, including Lillian Hardin Armstrong, Big Bill Broonzy, Jimmy Reed, and the Ammons family (Albert and Gene).
Who was Bessie Coleman and why is she buried here?
Bessie Coleman was a pioneering aviator and the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license, making her one of the most notable historical figures resting at the cemetery.
What is the connection between Lincoln Cemetery and the 1919 race riots?
The cemetery is the burial site for at least 14 victims of the 1919 Chicago race riots, including Eugene Williams, whose death triggered the unrest.
Who currently manages the cemetery?
Lincoln Cemetery is currently owned and managed by Dignity Memorial, which also oversees the neighboring Oak Hill and Beverly cemeteries.