In a little known, unassuming plot behind Arby’s off of Route 50 in Salisbury is the Houston Cemetery. Many pass by on nearby route 50 and don’t know it’s there or the history it holds.
On April 2, 1901, Solomon T. Houston and other trustees of the John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church (now the Charles H. Chipman Foundation Center), established the Houston Cemetery. Solomon T. “Saul” Houston, the Chairman of the trustees, a realtor and prominent community leader, purchased the land for the African American cemetery as the final resting place for some local residents and Civil War veterans. Some remains were removed and displaced for the building of U.S. Route 50. Upon the death of the founders, Prof. Charles H. Chipman cared for the cemetery until his demise, and now the American Legion Post 145 cares for its upkeep.
The Beach to Bay Heritage Area hired Dr. Clara Small to research this site and others for the placement of interpretive signs. Along with the Houston Cemetery sign are interpretive markers for Crisfield’s civil rights protests, Mt. Zion Memorial Church, Stephen Long and the Metropolitan United Methodist Church.
To learn more about this and other efforts by the Beach to Bay Heritage Area visit www.beachesbayswaterways.org.
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- George Whitney, Adjutant- American Legion Post 145, Shanie Shields, Wicomico County Council, Sydney Johnson, Commander- American Legion Post 145, Dr. Clara Small, BBHA Board Member & author of the interpretive text and Lisa Challenger, Executive Director, Beach to Bay Heritage Area.
