Historic Cemetery in Charleston Gets Long-Awaited Cleanup Plan
Charleston, S.C. – For years, family members of loved ones buried at the Monrovia Cemetery have faced an ongoing struggle with the care and upkeep of the historic site. Located close to downtown Charleston, this cemetery, which has seen over 1,000 burials since it opened in the late 1800s, has suffered from neglect, leaving many graves obscured by overgrown grass and debris. However, the clouds of despair are beginning to lift, as a permanent cleanup plan is finally in the works.
A New Hope for Families
The issue of maintenance at Monrovia Cemetery has been a persistent concern. Declared a non-perpetual care cemetery, this means that family members were expected to manage the upkeep themselves. Unfortunately, without proper support, many graves were left unattended, and family members shared stories of confusion and loss when visiting—often unable to find their loved ones’ markers.
State Representative Wendall Gilliard, alongside cemetery board members and Highland Resources Incorporated, has been at the forefront of a new initiative to bring relief to those affected. Gilliard expressed the importance of community involvement, stating, “There were so many problems that were coming to our attention, so we figured that anybody and everybody should be involved in this movement.” He added, “Can you imagine having a loved one here and not being able to get in or see them? It’s not the best upkeep.”
The Cleanup Partnership
Thanks to a partnership with Highland Resources, a company positioned just behind the cemetery, there are plans underway to kickstart the initial cleanup process. Gilliard, who played a vital role in coordinating this collaboration, explained that Highland Resources will contract teams to focus on vital cleanup efforts for the next two years. This includes cutting grass, clearing trash, removing unwanted vegetation, and restoring the cemetery’s fence line.
“They’re going to do a long-term fix here. We gave them a wish list and it looks promising,” Gilliard shared. The many headstones lost beneath layers of grass will finally receive the attention they deserve, ensuring stories long forgotten can be told once again.
A Community Effort
In fact, the community has shown significant support through volunteer efforts. Just a few months ago, 50 volunteers banded together to clean up the neglected grounds in an effort to reclaim the cemetery’s dignity. Maurice Lee, a good Samaritan who has dedicated his time to clean the cemetery, expressed his joy upon hearing the new plan. “This was my vision… whether we had to do it with volunteers or not. My vision was to get the cemetery maintained,” he said.
A Vision for the Future
As plans continue to unfold, Highland Resources will not only initiate a cleanup but will work towards a sustainable maintenance strategy. This includes assessing low areas that flood and developing a landscape architecture plan. Many families are relieved to know that their loved ones’ resting places will be tended to continuously.
“I’m pretty sure it would mean the world to them because when they used to come out, some people couldn’t even find their family members’ graves,” added Lee. With a firm commitment to upkeep, families can finally feel at ease knowing that these sacred places won’t be lost in time or overgrown wilderness.
Legislation and Community Concern
Gilliard has recently reintroduced a bill that aims to help protect forgotten cemeteries across the state, empowering local municipalities to ensure proper care and accountability. “That (the bill) would give local municipalities the right to empower them to come up with their own ordinances as to hold the people accountable,” he noted, recognizing that the struggle extends beyond Charleston.
As the final paperwork for this partnership is set to be signed by board members, there’s a renewed sense of hope and excitement in the air. With a committed resolve to restore Monrovia Cemetery, families with loved ones resting here may finally see their concerns recognized and attended to. After years of uncertainty, the historical burial ground is on the pathway to preservation—an uplifting development for all.
