Welcome to the historic Midland Cemetery
The friends of Midland invite you to explore and learn about our historic place. Founded circa 1795, Midland Cemetery is the final resting place for slaves, former slaves, men of the United States Colored Troops, Buffalo Soldiers and leaders of the African American Community.
Midland Cemetery Is Now listed in the National Register of Historic Places
Remember-Honor-Preserve
The Midland grounds are used to educate the community about the vast amount of history that lies within and reaches beyond its boundaries.
The history of Midland Cemetery is a simple one. The burial site was started circa 1795 for the purpose of burying those who were working on or near the old farm which later became known as the Kelker Farm in the 1800. We have named this area 'Ancestors Grove' Midland did not actually get its legal name until around 1877.
Midland Cemetery holds the remains of those who once were in servitude bondage either from another state or Pennsylvania and became free.
Reading of the various headstones and in research we have noted veterans interred in these hallowed grounds are the United States Colored Troops, which were the Black men who volunteered to serve during the Civil War, the Buffalo Soldiers, who fought in and open up the West (Campaign). Headstones show soldiers of World War I and II, followed by the Korean War.
Aside from the various military men and possibly a few women (still researching), there are also the many leaders of the community.
approach
History begins at Midland, we must preserve the story
Founded circa 1795, Midland Cemetery is the final resting place for slaves, former slaves, men of the United States Colored Troops, Buffalo Soldiers and numerous leaders of the area’s African American community. Notable burials from Pennsylvania's Grand Review 100 Voices include: Lemuel Butler, Co. H, 55th Massachusetts; Charles Henderson, Co. K, 127th USCT; Andrew Hill, Co. B, 6th USCT.
testimonials
Check what our community says about us
Saula Sviben
Ms. Barbara Barksdale is doing amazing things to preserve history - watch what is going on today (in-kind) from Rettew and learn how you can help her continue her mission to search the area for possible burial plots currently unmarked and unidentified.
Zane Phoenix
My father is buried there and two of my brothers, my grandfather, and I have an Aunt there...a number of relatives are buried there. From that standpoint, I have an interest in Midland.
Contact Us
Address:
206 Kelker Street, Steelton, Pennsylvania, 17113
Email:
Phone:
(717) 939-0242
Location:
206 Kelker Street, Steelton, Pennsylvania, 17113
Phone:
(717) 939-0242
©2024, Friends of Midland Cemetery