Special Episode of SJC Stewardship Series Features Historic Cemeteries in St. Johns County
The SJC Stewardship Series tells the stories of St. Johns County history, culture, and conservation.
Key Points
- Watch this Special Episode of the SJC Stewardship Series featuring Historic Cemeteries in St. Johns County.
- Explore the history, culture, and conservation efforts that preserve these historic cemeteries and the stories that shape our community.
- New SJC Stewardship Series episodes will be released monthly, highlighting historically and culturally significant locations throughout St. Johns County.
Join Megan Wright, Environmental Specialist, in this Special Episode of the SJC Stewardship Series to discover historic cemeteries in St. Johns County. Explore the entire SJC Stewardship Playlistto watch prior episodes.
The SJC Stewardship Series is a monthly video series highlighting history, culture, and conservation efforts in St. Johns County. The series supports the St. Johns County Strategic Plan priorities of Community Trust and Enhance Conservation.
In this special episode, discover the historic Tolomato, Pinehurst, and San Sebastian Cemeteries.
Tolomato Cemetery has a 200-year history in St Augustine. It was originally a Franciscan mission village for Guale Indians from Georgia, known as Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Tolomato. Later, it was the first burial site of the Minorcans who arrived in Saint Augustine with their priest, Fr Pedro Camps, in 1777. From 1784 until 1884, it was the parish cemetery for what is now the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, making it a burial place for generations of Catholics. Burials ended after cemeteries were closed within city limits amidst fears during the yellow fever outbreak in 1884.
More thank two centuries of history are layered into this small space, making Tolomato a remarkable reflection of the many cultures and communities that shaped St. Augustine.
Tolomato Cemetery is open to the public for self-guided and docent-led tours. Learn more about hours, events, and scheduling appointments by visiting the Tolomato Cemetery Preservation Association website.
The Pinehurst and San Sebastian Cemeteries in West St. Augustine are said to be the oldest African American cemeteries in St. Johns County. World War I veterans, railroad workers, and many others were buried there at a time when African Americans had to be segregated, even in the grave. The two cemeteries were active during the same period, shared overlapping leadership, and their historic boundaries are difficult to separate.
Records indicate the land was formally set aside for African American burials in the 1880s, although both sites were already being used before then.
The West Augustine Improvement Association is a non-profit association that has acquired the deeds to both cemeteries and is committed to preserving them and to learning more about the people buried there. The association raises funds to preserve the cemetery and hosts clean-up events.
Learn more about the Pinehurst and San Sebastian Cemeteries by visiting the West Augustine Improvement Association website.
Follow and subscribe to the Official St. Johns County social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn) and explore the SJC Stewardship Series Playlist for prior episodes.
About the SJC Stewardship Series
The SJC Stewardship Series explores the unique cultural and historic resources that define St. Johns County. Each episode showcases a different location, telling the stories of the people, places, and heritage that have shaped the county’s rich history and culture.
How to Watch
Episodes of the SJC Stewardship Series are available across multiple channels to ensure broad public access.
Follow and subscribe to the Official St. Johns County social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn) so you don’t miss an episode and explore the SJC Stewardship Series Playlist.
Episodes and information can also be found on the SJC Stewardship Web Page and on the County’s GovTV channel.
More Episodes Coming Soon
New episodes will be released monthly, each highlighting a different location across St. Johns County. Stay tuned as the SJC Stewardship Series tells the stories of St. Johns County history, culture, and conservation.
Stay informed of more St. Johns County news by subscribing to our e-newsletters and learn how we’re shaping our community’s future by advancing the SJC Strategic Plan through the Office of Public Affairs.
Share:
