Sculpture at Africatown Heritage House
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Old Plateau Cemetery Africatown

5
·186 reviews·Mobile, United States

A sacred burial ground for descendants of the Clotilda, the last slave ship to the U.S., and founders of Africatown.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Pleasant weather for reflection

CrowdLow
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Sculpture at Africatown Heritage House

Old Plateau Cemetery Africatown

Best Time

Spring mornings

Pleasant weather for reflection

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sacred burial ground for descendants of the Clotilda, the last slave ship to the U.S., and founders of Africatown.

5
(186 reviews)

"It is thought provoking and chilling to learn this information. I would recommend to anyone at all."

Vertical photo
TIP

Dress Respectfully

This is a sacred burial ground. Opt for modest attire out of respect for the deceased and their families. :dress_clothing:

Learn the History First

Visit the Africatown Heritage House nearby for context before exploring the cemetery. :books:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Graves of Clotilda Survivors

Graves of Clotilda Survivors

Throughout the cemetery

Pay respects to the final resting places of those who endured the transatlantic slave trade and founded Africatown.

Cudjoe Lewis's Grave

Cudjoe Lewis's Grave

Specific section of the cemetery

Locate the grave of Cudjoe Lewis, a prominent figure and last survivor of the Clotilda voyage.

Africatown Heritage House Connection

Africatown Heritage House Connection

Near the cemetery

While not in the cemetery itself, the nearby Heritage House provides crucial context to the lives buried here.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Visitation

Old Plateau Cemetery is a sacred burial ground. Visitors should approach with reverence, understanding it's a place of remembrance for descendants of the Clotilda survivors. Dress modestly and avoid disruptive behavior.

Understanding the History

This cemetery is the final resting place for many survivors of the Clotilda, the last slave ship to arrive in the U.S. Learning about their journey and the founding of Africatown enriches the visit.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for reflection
Crowd
Low
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Take a peek into our Ancestral Veneration Ceremony that we had at the Plateau Cemetery where we honored our ancestors that were enslaved and brought over on the Clotilda. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Thank you to HM Dada, Queen Mother, Queen Co. Meadows, & Babalawo Fasola Odunade for leading us in this reconciliation with those who came before us ✨
juneteenthmob
186 likes • 0 views

Dress Respectfully

This is a sacred burial ground. Opt for modest attire out of respect for the deceased and their families. :dress_clothing:

Learn the History First

Visit the Africatown Heritage House nearby for context before exploring the cemetery. :books:

Old Plateau Cemetery Day clean up day thanks to Pastor Tucker Union Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Singleton Prison Ministry, Cleon Jones with the Africatown Community Development Corporation Lamar Howard, and the Clotilda Descendants Association for participating today. #Africatown
joycelyndvs
47 likes • 0 views
Some of the survivors of the last transatlantic slave trading voyage to the United States—that of the Clotilda, which arrived in Mobile, Alabama, in 1860–are buried in Plateau Cemetery as are their descendants. #Africatown #pritchard #mobile #africainalabama #slavery #historiccemeteries #slavetrade #transatlanticslavetrade #clotilda
erin.greenwald
44 likes • 0 views

Quiet Reflection

Maintain a quiet and contemplative atmosphere. This is a place for remembrance, not loud activities. :pray:

Watch Your Step

Some headstones may be old or uneven. Be mindful of your footing while walking. :athletic_shoe:

“He dreamed he was flying above the earth, completely contented and at peace.” Plateau Cemetery Africatown Mobile 2017 ****** www.doncolinphotographs.com @doncolin_photographs #repostedwork #retrospectivework #fineart #fineartphotography #folkphotography #everything_edited #documentary #cultural #contemporarysouth #backroad_visions #renegade_rural #ruralexploration #trb_rural #socialandcultural...
donaldcolin.photographs.film
43 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Dress Respectfully

This is a sacred burial ground. Opt for modest attire out of respect for the deceased and their families. :dress_clothing:

Learn the History First

Visit the Africatown Heritage House nearby for context before exploring the cemetery. :books:

Quiet Reflection

Maintain a quiet and contemplative atmosphere. This is a place for remembrance, not loud activities. :pray:

Watch Your Step

Some headstones may be old or uneven. Be mindful of your footing while walking. :athletic_shoe:

Photography Etiquette

Be discreet with photos. Focus on capturing the atmosphere respectfully, not intrusive shots. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

5
(186 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently moved by the profound history and resilience of the people buried at Old Plateau Cemetery, descendants of the Clotilda survivors. The site offers a powerful connection to a crucial, yet often overlooked, chapter of American history, inspiring reflection and respect. While the cemetery itself is a place of quiet remembrance, its connection to the Africatown Heritage House provides a comprehensive and educational experience.

"I am not sure what I was expecting when I found out about this museum, but I am blown away. The exhibit begins in Africa and ends with descendants speaking about growing up and living in this area. It is thought provoking and chilling to learn this information. I would recommend to anyone at all."

Andrea F

"It was AMAZING to learn of this extraordinary history. The museum outlines the resilience of Africans brought to America against their will, and how the remaining ones built a community called AfricaTown. If you love history, it's a must-see in Mobile, Alabama."

Debbie Townsend

"The Africatown Hertiage House is a very interesting, informative, and educational Museum. The museum shares a lot of information regarding the "CLOTILDA-The Last Ship" that arrived in the U.S.A. and the Community of Africatown."

Daniel Moorer

What People Like

Profound historical significance
Inspiring resilience
Connection to Clotilda survivors

What People Dislike

Limited facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Old Plateau Cemetery is located in Africatown, near Mobile, Alabama. It's best accessed by car. GPS navigation to 'Old Plateau Cemetery, Africatown, AL' should guide you. Parking is available on-site, but can be limited during community events. Instagram

Public transportation options directly to the cemetery are limited. It's recommended to use a ride-sharing service or drive your own vehicle. Check local Mobile transit schedules for nearby routes if relying on public transport. Reddit

The cemetery is an outdoor space. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain can be uneven. There are no paved paths throughout the entire cemetery, so be mindful of your steps. Instagram

Yes, the Africatown Heritage House is a crucial companion visit, offering deep historical context. The Mobile River and surrounding historic Africatown community are also worth exploring. Instagram

Accessibility can be challenging due to the natural terrain and uneven ground. While some areas may be more accessible, visitors with mobility concerns should proceed with caution. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Old Plateau Cemetery is generally open to the public and does not require an admission fee. It is a historic site maintained for remembrance. Instagram

As an outdoor historical site, there are no strict official hours. However, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and respect. Community events may have specific timings. Instagram

There is no entrance fee to visit Old Plateau Cemetery. Donations are sometimes accepted by community organizations that help maintain the site. Instagram

While there are no official gates, it's best to visit during daylight hours. Visiting at night is not recommended for safety and to maintain the solemnity of the site. Instagram

Guided tours are not regularly scheduled but may be offered during special events or by local historical societies. Checking with the Africatown Community Development Corporation is recommended. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find historic headstones, many dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It's the resting place for descendants of the Clotilda survivors and early Africatown residents. Instagram+1

Photography is generally permitted, but it's crucial to be respectful. Avoid intrusive shots and focus on capturing the atmosphere. Some community events might have specific photography guidelines. Instagram+1

Restroom facilities and water fountains are typically not available directly within the cemetery grounds. Plan accordingly and bring water, especially during warmer months. Instagram

Africatown was founded by formerly enslaved Africans who arrived on the Clotilda. It's a testament to their resilience and the creation of a vibrant community. Instagram+1

Yes, leaving flowers or small, respectful tributes is a common practice. Ensure any items left are biodegradable and do not harm the environment. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The cemetery offers a poignant atmosphere. Look for interesting headstone inscriptions, the play of light through trees, and the overall landscape for evocative shots. Instagram+1

Drone usage is generally not permitted over cemeteries due to privacy and respect concerns. Always check local regulations and be mindful of the solemn nature of the site. Instagram

Focus on capturing the historical essence and the quiet dignity of the place. Black and white photography can enhance the timeless feel. Instagram

While no strict rules are usually posted, always be mindful of other visitors and the sacredness of the site. Avoid disruptive flash photography or intrusive filming. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and a serene mood. Golden hour can add a special touch to your photographs. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting Old Plateau Cemetery with children offers a unique opportunity for a history lesson. It's important to frame the visit around the incredible resilience and strength of the people buried here, focusing on the founding of Africatown as a story of hope and community. Instagram+1

Before visiting, consider visiting the Africatown Heritage House to provide age-appropriate context. Encourage children to be respectful, quiet, and to think about the lives of the individuals buried here. It's a chance to teach about a vital, often overlooked, part of American history in a tangible way. Instagram

📚 History Enthusiasts

For history buffs, Old Plateau Cemetery is a significant site. It offers a direct connection to the descendants of the Clotilda survivors and the foundational community of Africatown. Instagram+1

Take your time to read inscriptions (where legible) and reflect on the lives of these individuals. Visiting the nearby Africatown Heritage House is essential to fully grasp the historical narrative. Consider researching the Clotilda voyage and the history of Africatown prior to your visit for a richer experience. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of the Clotilda and Africatown

The Old Plateau Cemetery is intrinsically linked to the story of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to arrive in the United States in 1860. The individuals buried here are often descendants of the 110 Africans who were kidnapped and brought to Mobile, Alabama, against their will. Their survival and subsequent establishment of Africatown is a powerful narrative of resilience and community building. Instagram+1

The cemetery itself serves as a tangible connection to this history, with many headstones marking the final resting places of those who lived through slavery and helped forge a new life. Visiting the cemetery offers a moment of reflection on their journey and the enduring legacy they left behind. Instagram

Understanding the historical context, perhaps by visiting the nearby Africatown Heritage House, significantly enhances the experience of visiting the cemetery. It transforms a simple visit into a profound educational and emotional encounter with American history. Instagram

Visiting with Reverence

As a place of burial and remembrance, the Old Plateau Cemetery requires visitors to approach with a deep sense of respect. This is not a tourist attraction in the typical sense, but a sacred space where families honor their ancestors. Instagram+1

Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and maintain a quiet demeanor. Loud conversations, disruptive behavior, or treating the cemetery as a playground are highly discouraged. The cemetery is a place for contemplation, historical understanding, and honoring the lives of those interred there. Instagram

Community clean-up days and ancestral veneration ceremonies are sometimes held, highlighting the ongoing connection descendants have to this site. Participating in or observing such events (if open to the public) can offer a unique and moving perspective on the cemetery's living history. Instagram+1

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