Slavery at Oaklands

 To learn about those likely enslaved by the Maney Family, visit: The Untold Stories Project Page.

Evergreen Cemetery

From 1814 until 1872, this land was part of an extensive holding of the Maney family. In May of 1872, for the sum of $5,000. Dr. James Maney sold 20 acres to the City of Murfreesboro “for a cemetery” to be known as Oaklands Cemetery. The property included the Maney Family Plantation’s enslaved burial ground, “fronts to the west on Johnson Street, to the south by Murfreesboro & Liberty Pike, and wraps around the Henry brickyard and home at the intersection of the Street and Pike.” In April of 1873, “City ordinance recognizes new name determined by cemetery commissioners, Evergreen Cemetery“.

In Section M, are the unmarked remains of Enslaved Individuals who lived and labored at Oaklands. Oaklands Mansion’s Evergreen Cemetery: Section “M” page.

WGNS Radio Interview – Nick Cohn talks with Exec. Director of Oaklands Mansion, James Manning, Historian, Audrey Creel, and President of the African American Heritage Society of Rutherford County, Mary Watkins about preserving the history of those who came before us. Listen to the WGNS Radio Interview.


For more information, please contact us at info@oaklandsmansion.org.