Our Historic Cemeteries
Preserving and honoring the legacy of Cincinnati’s African-American community through the stewardship of two of its oldest and most significant burial grounds.
Two Landmarks of African-American Heritage
The Union Foundation manages two historically significant African-American burial grounds in the Cincinnati area — preserving the stories, sacrifices, and legacies of generations past.
Union Baptist Cemetery
Est. 1864The Union Baptist Cemetery stands as one of the oldest African-American cemeteries in Hamilton County. It remains at its original location — purchased, maintained, and still actively used by a Black congregation, a distinction rare among historic burial grounds of this era.
The cemetery holds the remains of some of Cincinnati’s most historically important African-American figures, as well as formerly enslaved people and participants in the Underground Railroad whose stories are woven into the fabric of American history.
Notable Individuals Interred
- Rev. David Leroy Nickens — First Pastor of Union Baptist Church
- George W. Hays Jr.
- Jennie D. Porter — Founder of Harriet Beecher Stowe School
- Formerly Enslaved Individuals
- Underground Railroad Participants
United American Cemetery
Est. 1844Located in Columbia Township north of Duck Creek, the United American Cemetery is said to be the oldest Black cemetery in the state of Ohio, founded in 1844. It is a sacred repository of African-American history in Cincinnati and the broader Ohio region.
Among its interred are over 100 Civil War veterans, tradespeople, educators, journalists, and community leaders who shaped the course of Cincinnati’s history and the African-American experience in Ohio.
Notable Individuals Interred
- Robert Gordon — Formerly enslaved coal dealer & businessman
- Hartwell Parham — Tobacco merchant
- Wendell P. Dabney — Founder of The Union newspaper (1908)
- John Isom Gaines — Pioneer educator
- 100+ Civil War Veterans
Our Revitalization Goals
We are working to ensure these sacred grounds are properly preserved and accessible for generations to come.
Headstone Restoration
Restore and preserve deteriorating headstones to honor those interred and maintain the historical record.
Overgrowth Removal
Clear overgrowth and improve the grounds to restore dignity and accessibility to both cemeteries.
Digitize Records
Digitize burial records and historical documents to preserve them permanently and make them accessible to researchers and descendants.
Walking Trails
Add accessible walking trails to turn the cemeteries into living historical landmarks for the community.
Garden Spaces & Benches
Create garden spaces and install benches to provide peaceful areas for reflection and remembrance.
Mausoleum Construction
Construct a mausoleum to expand capacity and provide additional dignified resting places for the community.
Help Us Reach Our Goal
We are raising $150,000 to fund cemetery restoration, digitization, walking trails, garden spaces, benches, and mausoleum construction. Every gift brings us closer to preserving this irreplaceable piece of Cincinnati’s history.
Make checks payable to The Union Foundation, note “Cemeteries” in the memo line.
Mail to: 405 W. Seventh Street, Cincinnati, OH 45203
“In 2020, The Union Foundation was awarded a Historic Preservation Fund Grant — a recognition of our commitment to preserving African-American history and cultural heritage in Cincinnati.”