“Missing Cemeteries” and Structural Racism: Historical Maps and Endangered African/African American and Hispanic Mortuary Customs in Texas

Abstract

Historical cemeteries across the United States are endangered due to development, neglect, and vandalism. Cemeteries of historically oppressed groups, specifically African, African American, and Hispanic populations, are even more susceptible to destruction or damage due to systematic, institutionalized racism; neglect; segregation; and unique mortuary patterns that often result in these cemeteries being ignored, damaged, or “lost.” A specific example is provided by historical cemeteries in Texas going “missing” from maps. Several cemeteries were known and marked on historical maps, but were later omitted from modern maps. This discrepancy is significant and leaves these “lost” cemeteries vulnerable. Minority cemeteries, particularly African and African American cemeteries, have a history of being damaged or destroyed during construction projects, only to be located on historical maps after the fact. Interdisciplinary research, including examinations of historical maps and an anthropological/archaeological understanding of mortuary customs, can help to preserve these unique and often underrepresented sites in American history.