Old Madison Cemetery receives state historic marker

Inspecting the historic marker from the Alabama Historical Commission at Old Madison Cemetery are Shawn Hardy, from left, Elbert Balch, Matthew Phelps, Shane Willis, Colby Smith, Gerald Clark, Kent Smith, Cindi Sanderson, Dottie Magee and Jeanne Steadman. RECORD PHOTOS/GREGG L. PARKER

MADISON – Old Madison Cemetery has received commendation from the Alabama Historical Commission.

The commission has officially recognized the cemetery as a historic site and placed Old Madison Cemetery on the State of Alabama Historic Cemetery Register.

“It is an honor for our cemetery to have made it through the requirements necessary and to be placed on the register list,” Jeanne Steadman said. Steadman serves as President of Madison Municipal Cemeteries Committee.

“The committee is thrilled to have the marker in place as a symbol of the significance of the cemetery to Madison’s history. The recognition is also a tribute to the early pioneers of Madison and the surrounding areas who came before us,” Steadman said.

The state commission shipped the historic sign to Madison Public Works, which stored it until installation could be completed. “Public Works transported and installed the sign and supported this effort in every way,” Steadman said.

In addition, Public Works “helped early on, especially Shawn Hardy, in gathering the information needed for the lengthy application that was required by the state in the approval process,” Steadman said.

The sign’s front reads, “Old Madison Cemetery – Madison County — Listed on the Alabama Historic Cemetery Register in 2015 by the Alabama Historical Commission. This plot of ground has been the resting place of many of Madison’s pioneer families since the early 1800s. This marker is erected to remember and honor those who came before us.”

The sign’s back reads, “There are 476 existing grave markers. Many more souls lie in unmarked plots. The oldest known birth date is 1811. There are veterans from at least five different wars buried here. The two largest monuments were moved here from their original resting place on land where the airport is now located.”

Director of Public Works Kent Smith said the department has been pursuing other work in Old Madison Cemetery. “We have put down some sod and mulch. We used a brown mulch that is supposed to keep its brown color longer. With the money we have saved on mowing, we were able to put down some sod,” Smith said.