Historic Porterdale Cemetery est. 1836

107 10th Avenue
Columbus, GA 31901

In Historic Porterdale, the earliest marked grave is dated 1836. It is believed the cemetery is named after the first African American Sexton in Columbus, Mr. Richard Porter, who served as Sexton from 1890 to 1916. Among countless marked and unmarked graves, some of the more celebrated are Ma Rainey, "Mother of Blues", and Mr. Bragg Smith, who was made famous in 1903 by his fruitless attempt to save the life of Public Services Director who was gathering information regarding a large brick sewer system that had collapsed. When the ground around the trench began to collapse, Mr. Smith lost his life attempting to save the life of his boss. Other famous people include Mr. William Spencer and Mr. Edward Sherald. Some earlier information suggest that there are slaves buried in this cemetery as well as the City's first paupers graves.

Historic Riverdale Cemetery est. 1890

1000 Victory Drive
Columbus, GA 31901

Riverdale Cemetery was established in 1890. The brick building near the entrance, erected in 1915, originally included a chapel, housing for the City Sexton and a bell tower atop an arched passageway for funeral processions. Through the years, special sections of the cemetery have been marked: by Shearith Israel and Temple Israel for members of those congregations, and by the American Legion for veterans of the armed forces. The office maintains records for all city-owned cemeteries.

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Historic East Porterdale Cemetery est. 1946

320 10th Avenue
Columbus, GA 31901

Established in 1946, many African American families purchased lots, sometimes many together, to form family lots that are still being used regularly today. In 1993, based on an urgent need, the pauper section was extended to this particular cemetery. Civil rights advocate who campaigned for the right for all to vote, Mr. Primus King are among those buried in East Porterdale cemetery.