Squirrel Town Cemetery

Honoring The Black Soldiers Of The Civil War

The Squirrel Town Historical Cemetery in Freehold, New Jersey, carries deep historical significance. It is the final resting place for many Black Civil War veterans, with burials dating from 1860 through the early 1900s. Over time, the cemetery fell into disrepair, but the Bethel AME Church has taken steps to revive and protect it.

Restoration Efforts

Rev. Ronald Sparks of Bethel AME Church has been leading clean-up initiatives to restore the cemetery’s condition. Volunteers have worked to remove overgrowth and debris in hopes of preserving it as a place of honor. The goal is not just to maintain it but to restore its prominence and ensure it reflects its role in U.S. history.

Historical Importance

The cemetery represents multiple layers of heritage:

Bethel AME Church history: It connects to the church’s long-standing presence and leadership in the Freehold community.
Local history: It is part of Freehold’s identity, holding stories of those who lived, served, and shaped the area.
National history: As the final resting place for Black veterans who fought in the Civil War, it reflects the contributions of African Americans to the nation’s survival and freedom.

Future Hopes

Rev. Sparks has expressed the church’s desire to contact the U.S. government to secure recognition and support. Their vision is for the site to resemble a military cemetery, underscoring its status as hallowed ground for those who served.

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