Tucked away in the quiet heart of Alexandria, Tennessee lies a sacred collection of spaces where history breathes beneath the trees, and stories live on in weathered stones and quiet paths. The Alexandria Historic Cemeteries District is more than a preservation project — it’s a community-led commitment to restoring dignity, celebrating heritage, and honoring the lives and legacies of those who came before us.
This historic district is home to several cemeteries and structures that hold immense cultural, historical, and genealogical value. These sites are the resting places of many of DeKalb County’s earliest settlers — including men who served on both sides of the Civil War — and African American residents, many of whom were born into slavery and later became foundational members of the community. For generations, these cemeteries have quietly carried the weight of history, even as time and neglect threatened to erase their presence.
That’s where this initiative begins.
Our work unfolds in three carefully planned phases:
Phase One is focused on Seay Chapel Cemetery, believed to contain up to 300 burials — all African American, and many unmarked. Through respectful cleanup, documentation, and the placement of a collective memorial tombstone, we are working to restore visibility and dignity to those buried here. It is our mission to ensure that every person interred, whether known or unnamed, is honored with the recognition they deserve.
Phase Two centers on the restoration of Seay Chapel, the once-vibrant church that stood beside the cemetery and served as a spiritual and social anchor for the local African American community. Though time has weathered its walls, the chapel remains a resilient symbol of faith and endurance. The restoration will begin with stabilizing the structure, including roof and truss repairs, followed by interior rehabilitation that preserves its original character. This space, once filled with voices, prayers, and music, will once again serve as a gathering place — for memory, education, and community reflection.
Phase Three looks toward Eastview Cemetery, the adjoining burial ground of significant historical relevance. Planned efforts include marking unrecorded graves, installing new headstones for Union Civil War veterans, and addressing long-overdue maintenance needs. The goal is to protect and preserve this site for future generations, while giving overdue recognition to the individuals and families who rest there.
This initiative is built on community — past, present, and future. It is guided by respect, driven by research, and powered by volunteers and supporters who believe that preserving history is a responsibility we all share.
We invite you to join us. Walk the grounds, listen to the stories, contribute your knowledge, or simply bear witness. Whether you’re a descendant, a student of history, or someone drawn by the call to honor those who came before — there is a place for you here.
Together, we can reclaim what was nearly forgotten and build something lasting in its place: a legacy of remembrance.
Welcome to the Alexandria Historic Cemeteries District.
Alexandria Historic Cemeteries District 
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