The Chattooga County Historical Society gathered at the historic Summerville Cemetery this past Sunday for a dedication ceremony, unveiling a new interpretive sign that sheds light on the cemetery’s profound history and pays tribute to an estimated 640 unmarked graves.

The brief ceremony preceded the society’s quarterly meeting, which was held at the nearby Summerville Depot. The new sign, now a permanent fixture at the cemetery, provides a comprehensive overview of the county’s and cemetery’s origins.

According to the sign’s text, Chattooga County was established on December 28, 1838, by the Georgia Legislature, formed from parts of Floyd and Walker Counties. This period coincided with the tragic “Trail of Tears,” as native Cherokee people were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands. The county seat, Summerville, was officially established on March 23, 1839.

The Summerville Cemetery itself dates back to approximately 1840, making the block where the sign stands the oldest existing burial ground in the town. On October 23, 1841, General John Fluker Beavers, recognized as the “Father” of Summerville, formally donated one acre to the people of Chattooga County for use as a burying ground, though evidence suggests the property was already in use for this purpose by 1840.

Over the decades, the cemetery has expanded significantly and seen various caretakers, including individuals, volunteer groups, and the Summerville Cemetery Corporation, which took over maintenance in 1947. Today, the sacred grounds are maintained by the City of Summerville.

A significant detail highlighted on the new sign is the result of a 2024 survey, sponsored by the Chattooga County Historical Society, which utilized non-invasive ground-penetrating radar. This survey identified at least 640 unmarked graves within the original section of the cemetery, a poignant reminder of the early settlers whose final resting places were lost to time.

A statement from the Historical Society emphasized the sign’s dual purpose: “It tells a short history of the cemetery from 1840 and honors the over 600 souls in the oldest section who have no marker.” The monument is dedicated to the memory of these pioneers, ensuring their contributions to the county’s founding are not forgotten.

The sign concludes with a poignant quote from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: “Gone are the living, but the dead remain, And not neglected; for a hand unseen, Scattering its bounty, like a summer rain, Still keeps their graves and their remembrance green.” The new sign stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving its rich history and honoring those who laid its foundations.