Gower Cemetery - Edmond, OK - U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Waymarking.com

Gower Cemetery began as a black cemetery during the town of Edmond's early development, and the first burial was in 1896. Over the years the maintenance of the cemetery was poor, and headstones were carelessly displaced, making it difficult to determine which loved ones were located there. Myrtle Gower Thomas, whose relatives are from the area, spent years diligently researching the cemetery and getting it placed on the National Register of Historic Places, not an easy task considering cemeteries are not something the register accepts. It was approved based on its historical significance to the black community during the town's early days. Ms. Thomas was able to determine where many of the headstones should be placed, but some graves are still unmarked. There is a fascinating story of one section that was reserved for indigents at the time. Many residents did not want those people buried near their family plots, so a special section was set up for them by a nun and a Gower relative. The current state of the cemetery is well landscaped and cared for. There are two very large historical markers at the entrance to the cemetery. Please take a moment to read the text on the plaques so you can have a better understanding of the historical significance of this location. Please pay your respects while you are here too. The people buried here played a huge role in the early development of our town.
source: Daily Oklahoman
Parking is very limited and the cars travel fast on this road, so please be careful when coming to visit.

Street address: Covell between Douglas and Post Rd. Arcadia, OK U.S.A. 73007 County / Borough / Parish: Oklahoma Year listed: 1991 Historic (Areas of) Significance: event Periods of significance: 1875-1899 Historic function: funerary Current function: funerary Privately owned?: yes Primary Web Site: [Web Link] Secondary Website 1: [Web Link] Season start / Season finish: Not listed Hours of operation: Not listed Secondary Website 2: Not listed National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   11/09/2019 The Snowdog visited it 08/09/2018 Max and 99 visited it 07/14/2011 EdmondCache visited it 07/09/2010 hamquilter visited it

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