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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant weather for reflection

Old Plateau Cemetery Africatown
Best Time
Pleasant weather for reflection

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

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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
Near the cemetery
While not in the cemetery itself, the nearby Heritage House provides crucial context to the lives buried here.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visitation
Understanding the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
There is no entrance fee to visit Old Plateau Cemetery. Donations are sometimes accepted by community organizations that help maintain the site.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
Restroom facilities and water fountains are typically not available directly within the cemetery grounds. Plan accordingly and bring water, especially during warmer months.
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.
Yes, leaving flowers or small, respectful tributes is a common practice. Ensure any items left are biodegradable and do not harm the environment.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Focus on capturing the historical essence and the quiet dignity of the place. Black and white photography can enhance the timeless feel.
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.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and a serene mood. Golden hour can add a special touch to your photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
📚 History Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the Clotilda and Africatown
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.
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.
Visiting with Reverence
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.
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.





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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit