Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery of Taylorville

What began as a simple planting plan request evolved into Dix.Hite + Partners' most profound projects, and a testament to how landscape architecture can bridge past and present, healing and hope, memory and renewal.

When the design team first visited the historic African American cemetery in Groveland (originally known as Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery of Taylorville), they met with the local fire chief, who had become the project's unexpected champion. The site, which was vandalized during racial violence stemming from "The Groveland Four" in 1949 and then neglected for over 70 years, had been rediscovered and was being restored through a small group of passionate community volunteers. Although there was a simple plan for locating the new components of the pavilion, memorial features, and walks, the Landscape Architects immediately recognized that this sacred space had the opportunity for a reflective sequence more than just accessibility - it needed a framework for honoring both the deceased and the living. The site plan was tweaked to shape spaces for gathering, reflection, preparation, and respect.