Right here in Delaware City lies an unheralded bit of American history – a lost cemetery containing the remains of generations of African-Americans from our area. This cemetery is the burial place of 5 members of the US Colored Troops who served bravely served the Union in the Civil War.
The Friends of the African Union Church Cemetery was founded in 1996 by concerned citizens to preserve and teach about this cemetery, owned by the Mt. Salem UAME Church. After two decades, the restored cemetery and memorial plaza opened to the public along the Delaware City Canal Trail.
It is our mission to preserve this place. We tell the story of the mostly forgotten people who lived here, died, and were buried there.
Join us to learn about The African Union Church Cemetery’s restoration and maintenance.
The African Union Church Cemetery is located just outside Delaware City, DE. The best way to get there is to take Rt. 9 south into Delaware City. The cemetery is on the Delaware City Branch Canal Trail, which crosses Rt. 9 (Fifth Street) near Kathy’s Crab House. Park here and walk west on the trail for about one-third of a mile to find the cemetery.
If you are using GPS, the coordinates are (39.567212, -75.5923434).
You can click on the map and photo below to get directions or check out the neighborhood.
