Pleasant Garden Cemetery

09/04/2025

You’ve heard of Bourbon Street in New Orleans and Beale Street in Memphis… but right here in Chattanooga, The Big 9 once came alive with blues, jazz, and R&B legends.

This 5-block district thrived with Black-owned nightclubs, theaters, grocery stores, and businesses — a hub of music, culture, and community.

📍 Now through November 6, visit Ruby Falls to experience the FREE exhibit:
✨ Building the Big Nine: Celebrating Community & Culture ✨
Curated by historian Stefanie Haire, Ph.D., the exhibition honors the people, places, pride, and perseverance that shaped Chattanooga and empowered generations.

Special Exhibit: Discover how Chattanooga's historic Black Business District helped shaped the city through the determination and vision of Black men and women navigating the deep complexities of racial discrimination.

05/14/2025

Thanks to American Cemetery & Cremation for featuring the work at Pleasant Garden Cemetery. 🖤

We’ve been clearing brush, uncovering graves, and doing our best to keep these stories from being lost. The article also gives a nod to the African American Cemetery Preservation Fund and the ongoing effort to preserve these spaces.

In Chattanooga, efforts to restore a long-neglected African American burial ground are being led by dedicated volunteers hoping to preserve history, honor the forgotten, and inspire future generations.

04/02/2025

It’s supposed to be a beautiful day—perfect for getting some work done at Pleasant Garden Cemetery!
Bring your own tools: loppers, w**d eaters, hand saws, and chain saws. Dress for outdoor work—sturdy shoes and gloves recommended!

03/08/2025

Today, volunteers of all ages came together to help with much-needed cleanup at the cemetery. A special thank you to McCallie School students and advisors, who show up 2-3 times each semester to serve this space with hard work and dedication.

From moving brush and logs to raking and clearing debris, every effort made a difference! We appreciate each and every person who gave their time today. 💪👏

03/08/2025

For the first hour of today's workday, the majority of volunteers were women, taking on the tough task of moving large brush piles, limbs, and logs. Their effort and teamwork helped get the day off to a strong start!

On International Women’s Day, we appreciate the dedication of all the women who show up, work hard, and make a difference in their communities. Thank you! 💪

03/03/2025

Join us this Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NOON as we come together to clean up the cemetery! We’ll be removing brush and fallen trees to help restore and maintain this historic space.

02/28/2025

Check out the March newsletter dedicated to Pleasant Garden Cemetery. This space will share updates on preservation efforts, upcoming workdays, and the rich history of this important site.

In this issue: the cemetery’s nomination to the National Register of Historic Places and how you can help with restoration efforts.

Thank you for being part of this journey. 💚

https://mailchi.mp/dd656214aa97/mt9qp9zpjx?e=99a5112ce2

01/29/2025

Take a hike through history at Pleasant Garden Cemetery, one of Chattanooga’s historic African American cemeteries. Learn about its legacy, notable figures, and its transformation over time.

📅 February 8, 2025 | ⏰ 10 AM
📍 Pleasant Garden Cemetery, Chattanooga
🔗 Sign up here: http://bit.ly/4hABL6H

It’s free but space is limited—register now!

01/24/2025

APPROVED! The nomination now proceeds to the National Park Service for their review!

01/24/2025

It's happening! The State Review Board of the Tennessee Historical Commission will review the nomination for Pleasant Garden and five other nominations this morning!