Black Diamond's Historic Cemetery is located at 24431 Morgan Street.
The city-owned Black Diamond Cemetery, founded in 1884, sits on Cemetery Hill Road, hidden by a row of trees and marked by a wooden sign erected by local Scouts.
The cemetery has more than 1,200 graves, giving visitors a sense of the cultural diversity and tragedy that existed in Black Diamond when coal mining was at its peak. Tombstones mark graves of residents who came from Wales, Italy, Australia, Russia, Germany and many other countries.
Mayor Howard Botts says a Civil War veteran is buried there, as are many children who died in the early 1900s in epidemics of small pox and the flu. At least half a dozen graves mark those of mine workers who died in explosions in 1902, 1910 and 1915.
The cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in April 2000.
So my visit to the Black Diamond Cemetery was an interesting one, that is for sure. While it wasn't my first time there (I had gone on field trips there in elementary school), it was my first visit at night. Growing up I heard stories of the cemetery being haunted by miners and such. I fully believe in ghosts and spirits but don't think that I would want to encounter one in the middle of the night.
This is one of my favorite marker from the visit. Morgan W. Morgans Born December 9, 1900 and died August 26, 1902. Not even two year years old.
I love the intricate details
A few of the plots have been separated by fencing, it really is amazingly beautiful.
Some of the headstones were slightly overgrown, and seemed to try to hide from attention. These always seem to catch my eye.
I am always partial to the markers that have pictures, though you can barely see the name on this grave. The smiling face catches your eye and demands your attention.
Temperature Lo 41°
While the temperature this time of year is commonly in the 30-40 degree range, typically I wouldn't post what it is, because it is irrelevant. However, in this instance it plays into my odd experience at the cemetery. Like I said earlier, I had attended a benefit dinner earlier and was wearing some awfully uncomfortable shoes. I proceeded to take them off when we got to the cemetery, I walked and took pictures for the better part of an hour.
Strangely, my feet were not cold, not even a little bit. In fact, they were warm to the touch. Anyone that knows me, knows that my feet are ALWAYS freezing. How is it that I could walk around barefoot for nearly an hour and my feet be warm? I should say that my companion on this adventure said his feet were freezing cold. And was surprised that my feet were so warm to the touch.
I have never had an experience like that before, but it was odd.
Honestly, I can't wait to go back to the Black Diamond Cemetery in the day time. It was a great night adventure.
