Lexington, SC 07/09/2021 (Paul Kirby) – Some River Bluff High School students recently had an opportunity to preserve some of the area’s history by restoring a cemetery that few even knew was on the school's campus. Tucked away in the woods of River Bluff High School's property is an important piece of South Carolina’s history.
Before the land with the high bluff that's formed of red clay and rock was developed into the site of River Bluff High School, the grounds were the original home of Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. The church, founded in 1857 before the onset of the Civil War, had several cemeteries on its property. While the church relocated many years ago, the original cemeteries remained on the rocky bluff overlooking the Lower Saluda River.
After years of work led by RBHS Teacher Michael Burgess, several students were inspired to help in the restoration of a cemetery. Thanks to their work, one of the two cemeteries on the property has now been designated a historical site.
The students now plan to continue the beautification and restoration of the original Mount Zion AME Church home by putting in the needed hours to restore the older cemetery. This could possibly recreate the original church plot.
The students who have worked on this project say that in the future, they hope to encourage other Gators to honor and preserve the past. In the case of the River Bluff high School campus, that work starts right outside the school’s doors.
The cemetery is open to the public from sunrise to sunset during the week. If you’d like more information about this unique historical site, contact the school at (803) 821-0700.
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