Woodlawn Cemetery, which has long been regarded as a cornerstone of African American history in Moore County, is the focus of renewed preservation efforts as local organizations and volunteers work to restore and maintain the historic site.
Woodlawn Cemetery sits in historic West Southern Pines, one of North Carolina’s first incorporated Black townships, established in 1923. The property is adjacent to the former West Southern Pines Rosenwald School, built in 1924.
“For many generations, Woodlawn Cemetery was the only resting place where African Americans were permitted to be buried,” says the Southern Pines Land & Housing Trust (SPLHT), which oversees the cemetery’s care. “Because of this, Woodlawn hosts a formidable number of 190 military service members and other freedom fighters, not only from West Southern Pines, but also community members from Greater Moore County, are laid to rest here.”…