On February 7, 2025, the City of Groveland hosted a solemn and heartfelt Dedication Ceremony for the Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery of Taylorville, honoring the 229 Black Americans buried there. This historic cemetery, which dates back to 1895-1900, served as the final resting place for Groveland’s early Black settlers. After more than 70 years of neglect and abandonment, the cemetery has been meticulously restored, thanks to a dedicated community effort and a state restoration grant.
The ceremony included moving speeches, historical reflections, and military honors, ensuring the legacy of those buried at Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery will be preserved for generations to come. Among those in attendance were Congressman Daniel Webster, and other city officials. In a poignant moment, two family members were presented flags by the Florida National Guard in recognition of their loved ones’ service.
The Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery of Taylorville was established during a time of racial discrimination and economic hardship for African Americans in the South. Black families moved to Taylorville (now Groveland) to work in citrus groves, turpentine stills, and lumber yards, playing a crucial role in the city’s economic growth. The last known burials in the cemetery occurred in 1951, after which the 1.25-acre site fell into disrepair, becoming overgrown and frequently vandalized. For decades, only a few individuals occasionally attempted to clear the brush and remove debris.
In 2021, seventy years after the final interment, the citizens of Groveland came together to restore this sacred site. Archaeologists, technologists, and volunteers from Groveland and surrounding communities joined forces in a multi-year restoration project to honor the lives interred there and to shed light on the historical erasure of Black cemeteries. Supported by a $499,000 grant from the State of Florida, over a million dollars in donated goods and services, and countless volunteer hours, the cemetery is now a city-owned historic site, ensuring its continued care and recognition.
Among those interred at Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery are ten veterans who served their country with honor: Will Buggs, Charlie Butler, Joe Green, Sam Griffin, James Middleton, Doc Nickles, Henry Spellman, Will Thomas, Austin Williams, and Gus Williams. The Florida National Guard paid tribute to these heroes during the dedication ceremony, reinforcing the importance of remembering and respecting their service.
City Manager Mike Hein, who was instrumental in launching the project, recalled, “Ever since I’ve been here, I’ve been hearing about it from different members of the community, including the late Councilman Johnny Griffin. I knew there was a will in the community and a need. Waiting would do nothing but further the deterioration of the area.” When Hein asked for a volunteer to lead the effort, Fire Chief Kevin Carroll stepped forward, stating, “I like history. I didn’t realize it would be this challenging, but it was worth it.”
A radar survey confirmed the presence of 229 grave sites, with the possibility of an additional 77. Many of the names of those buried there may never be known. The cemetery’s name itself reflects its deep history—Taylorville was the original name of Groveland, and the ‘union’ in Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery refers to the shared worship space used by Baptist and Methodist congregations. The cemetery was once identified by a massive oak tree that served as a landmark for passersby on State Road 19, as there was no direct road or driveway leading to it.
The City of Groveland extended its sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the restoration of Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery. Their dedication has ensured that this once-forgotten burial site is now a place of dignity, remembrance, and historical significance. This transformation from an abandoned plot of land into a beautifully restored memorial is a testament to the power of community and the enduring importance of honoring the past.
