Seated on the banks of Big Indian Creek, Evergreen Cemetery is a beautiful and historic cemetery that attracts photographers, genealogists, ghost hunters, and tourists. It is known for its Spanish moss-draped trees and magnificent grave symbols. Over the years, many have come to the cemetery to step back into the past and experience the history of our beloved city.
It began as the cemetery for Perry Methodist Church, which was built in 1827 near the center of the current Evergreen property. The oldest grave belongs to Richard Smith who died in 1826 as the log church was being built. Then, around 1846, the church erected a new building on the current Perry Methodist Church property and began meeting there.
The famous arched entryway was erected in 1928 and dedicated to Dr. Charles R. Mann, a physician in Perry from 1868-1914. Upon his death, he left a certain sum of money from his estate to the City of Perry. His heirs chose the archway as the appropriate way to carry out his request.
Along with so many people who are timelessly enshrined in stone, Evergreen also contains approximately 125 unmarked graves. The unmarked crosses you see while touring the cemetery represent people from many different backgrounds. Some of these graves are prisoners from the Civil War, POWs from World War II, or workers from the CCC. Others are slaves or those who did not have the money to buy a plot or gravestone. Others are the workers who helped to build Robins Field and had no family to return to. Then, there are the babies who died and whose parents were not prepared for their untimely death. The Perry Historical Society is working to replace these wooden crosses with steel ones that will stand the test of time. Community support is needed for this project. If you have a loved one whose cross needs to be replaced or would like to donate to the cause, please contact the Perry Historical Society.
The cemetery contains more history than one could hope to tell in one article. If you need more information, The Perry Historical Museum is hosting tours of Evergreen Cemetery on October 15th, 17th and 19th. For more information, check out our Facebook page or click here to take you to the Events Page.
Author: Jacob Whitehead
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