Springfield’s Black History, Remembered at Ferncliff
Black History Month is a call to remember the stories of courage, leadership, and perseverance that shaped our neighborhoods and our nation.
We invite you to visit Ferncliff Cemetery & Arboretum to experience the legacies of Black families, leaders, veterans and community members who live on in stone and story. Here are some landmarks to guide your visit:
Gammon Gravesite Commemorative Plaque
In 2024, a new plaque was erected at the gravesite of George and Sarah Gammon, local abolitionists who were active operators of the Underground Railroad.
This plaque was made possible by a generous donation from Gammon House Underground Railroad Historic Landmark, with labor donated by Ferncliff. (The Gammon House is one of only three Ohio “stops” on the Underground Railroad that were owned by a free person of color.)
You can see the plaque and pay homage to the Gammons in Section F, Lot 92.
Plaque at Gammon Gravesite
The Basey Family Plots
One of the earliest Black families in Springfield, the Baseys were formerly enslaved in Kentucky and Missouri before relocating to Springfield in the 1850s. They were reportedly the first Back residents to own land in Springfield. The Basey family is the subject of a book written by local historian Ernestine Lucas, chronicling Black history.
A number of Basey family members are buried at Ferncliff in sections N-E and F. You can search for Basey plots here to visit and pay your respects.
The United States Colored Troops Monument
A monument dedicated to the United States Colored Troops (USCT) service in the Civil War, can be found at Ferncliff’s GAR Mound in the center of the cemetery.
Installed in April 2020, the USCT Monument includes the names, regiments and company of the 139 USCT veterans interred at Ferncliff.
Trailblazer Tour
Among Ferncliff’s educational tours is the Trailblazer Tour, honoring many prominent African Americans resting peacefully at Ferncliff Cemetery.
The in-person trolley tour takes place around the Juneteenth holiday annually and is open to the public. A map is available for a self-guided version of the tour year round.
The USCT Monument at Ferncliff USCT Monument is 5.5 feet tall and made of nearly 8,000 pounds of Blue Ridge Granite
Famous Folks at Ferncliff
Ferncliff’s website is home to a series of stories about the “famous folks” interred within its grounds. The stories can be filtered by topic, and choosing “Black leaders” will provide a fascinating look at artists, politicians, activists, athletes from the Springfield area.
Pay Ferncliff a visit to learn and pay tribute during Black History Month - and all year long!
