Dedication Ceremony for Old Georgetown Cemetery Set for November 23, 2024.
Scott County’s first public cemetery is final resting place for Civil War Soldiers
GEORGETOWN, KY – NOVEMBER 12, 2024 – Two Historical Markers will be unveiled in a dedication ceremony at the Old Georgetown Cemetery on Saturday, Nov. 23. One marker honors the United States Colored Troops buried here. The other officially designates the cemetery, also known as the Old Colored Cemetery, as a Pioneer Cemetery.
To date, 47 United States Colored Troops—Civil War soldiers—buried in this cemetery have been documented. The first documented burial in the Old Georgetown Cemetery took place even earlier, in 1803. At that time, it was a whites-only cemetery. In 1860, when the New Georgetown Cemetery was purchased, the Old Georgetown Cemetery became the burial ground for deceased members of the Black community.
The United States Colored Troops were the embodiment of abolitionist, reformer and statesman Frederick Douglass’s belief that “he who would be free must himself strike the blow." About 179,000 of these soldiers (many of them formerly enslaved persons) volunteered to fight in the Union Army. Many of the men enlisted at Camp Nelson, and nearly 37,000 lost their lives during the war.
The Historic Markers dedication ceremony opens at noon with a welcome and brief history of the Old Georgetown Cemetery. The United States Colored Troops 12th Heavy Artillery will post American and Regimental Flags.
Delivering remarks during the event are Steve T. Phan, a ranger at Camp Nelson National Monument, a recruitment and training center for United States Colored Troops and a refugee camp for their families; James Severs, community engagement coordinator with the Kentucky Historical Society; Sgt. Robert Bell of the United States Colored Troops 12th Heavy Artillery; and Mike Key, Scott County Historical Society.
The unveiling of the markers will take place following Roll Call. The event will also include a 21-Gun Salute, Taps and a Retire the Colors ceremony with the United States Colored Troops 12th Heavy Artillery.
For more information about the dedication ceremony, contact Willa Gentry at 859-619-3738 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
MEDIA CONTACT:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Executive Director
Georgetown/Scott County Tourism
502-863-2547
PHOTO
A historical image of the United States Colored Troops, nicknamed the Buffalo Soldiers
Scott County African American Heritage Association
ABOUT GEORGETOWN KY | Birthplace of Bourbon. Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters. Georgetown is both of these, and more. Sitting in the midst of Horse Country, Kentucky’s fastest growing city is home to horse-centric attractions and events, including the Kentucky Horse Park, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, Kentucky Three Day Event, Festival of the Horse and the National Horse Show. Its beautifully preserved Victorian-era downtown is filled with dozens of locally owned shops, galleries and restaurants. “Only here” attractions: Yuko-en Japanese-style strolling garden and Heirlooms & Gretchen’s authentic stained-glass shop. Outdoor adventure: Elkhorn Creek; Skullbuster Mountain Bike Trail at Lytles Fork Recreation Area; Kentucky Proud family-fun and u-pick farms. Historical sites: Ward Hall Greek Revival Mansion Tour; Scott County/Georgetown Museum; 1917 Rosenwald School. Coming soon: Limestone Distillery, Blue Run Spirits Distillery. Accommodations: 60+ unique stays, 19 brand name chain hotels, two campgrounds. www.facebook.com/gotogtown