It’s almost tour time – Historic Rose Hill COSTUMED Cemetery Tour, that is. Of course, as the Tour Director, I think tour 365 days per year, but for everyone else, with the exception of our mighty volunteers, The Rose Hill Company, the Rose Hill tour is an annual event, But because some of you might not have stumbled upon this magnificent display of Meridian/Mississippi history and heritage (I can’t even imagine there might be one or two who haven’t gotten the word) – just in case, allow me to tell the Rose Hill Cemetery’s story.

The oldest stone marker is dated 1853: Dr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Reynolds. The notation inscribed on the marker indicated the deceased were from Salisbury, NC. Well, well, well, well – my great grandmother, Paralee Reynolds Harrison’s Reynolds’ family was from Salisbury, NC as well. This marker certainly pricked my interest, although I haven’t actually nailed down my family connection, but I know there has to be one. I suppose I’ve put this confirmation of a family connection on my “bucket list” but in the meantime, the tour must go on.

According to Mr. Walton Moore, longtime Cemetery Director, there were earlier wooden markers, which have deteriorated. It was during the 1980s and 90s that a cleanup effort was completed by several dedicated volunteers. The state of the cemetery was in deplorable condition; weeds, trees, and debris were cleared. Burial records were retrieved and organized – loving care was given to the grounds. Fruit trees, flowering plants, and new signs and lights installed. Without these efforts by dedicated volunteers, Meridian could have lost a historic treasure. By 2005, my first year to tour Rose Hill Cemetery, the burial grounds could easily be listed as one of the best maintained and documented historical cemeteries in Mississippi. This continues.

The cemetery is owned and operated by the Benevolence Fund Inc.

I first met Mr. Moore when I served as President of the Merrehope Board. He was our speaker that day during a board meeting in the mid-1990s. He reported on the cleanup efforts in Rose Hill Cemetery and mentioned that several of the burials were people who had lived either in the Merrehope Mansion or F. W. Williams Home. He also told of his dream – a costumed tour in the cemetery, something like the ones in Columbus or Natchez. Even until today, I can clearly see Mr. Moore, and the light upon his face, as he shared his dream with us.

Mr. Moore continued his Rose Hill Tours, one on one walks through the cemetery as he told the stories of a few people buried there.

It was December, 2009 – a cold and rainy night when I received a phone call from one of my storytelling friends in Jackson. Bill Patterson had a conference booked at the MSU-Riley Center and needed something for the attendees to do in Meridian, in addition to the conference. He asked. “Isn’t there a historic cemetery tour in Meridian with a costumed tour?” The light bulb went off and I told him I would check on it. By the time of Bill’s conference, October 2010, the costumed tour was ready for our maiden voyage. The two earlier “test tours “ were done while the Rose Hill Company was a grassroots organization.

Immediately, after I received the December phone call, I contacted Mr. Moore – we then talked to Ward Calhoun, then Director, Lauderdale History & Archives Department, along with his Desktop Publisher, Leslie Joyner, Rose Hill’s Assistant Director, Richard Whitehead, and started the ball rolling. I called upon my storytelling friends and local historians, and The Rose Hill Company and the tour was formed, The dedication of The Rose Hill Company has remained strong and the excitement has continued as we prepare for the 2023 Tour.

The first tour, we, the members of The Rose Hill Company, hoped for maybe 200 attendees. We thought that number would be a great success. As we took our places that fateful night, the attendees were lined from the Front Gate, North to 8th Street, then West on 8th Street for at least three blocks. We were shocked! The media reported 2,000 attendees that night – still hard to believe.

And it continues.

Come out and hear the Feuding Founders: Mr. Lewis Ragsdale and Mr. John Ball, meet the Gypsy family, Meet Nebraska Read, the only woman buried in the Confederate Mound, meet war heroes, southern belles, victims of Yellow Fever, hear the Meridian Railroad Tribute, Meridian mayors, leaders on the state level and everyday folks, too. Hear the story about the last two men hanged at Lauderdale County Courthouse. Meet the builders of Meridian, and the one “Yankee” buried in Rose Hill, Mr. Charles Rubush, a Meridian supporter and entrepreneur – hear the heartfelt story of the widow of Dr. Shackleford. Her story has a surprise ending that you will not want to miss, plus several additional stories that will warm your heart and make you proud.

So – are you ready? Its Historic Rose Hill Cemetery COSTUMED Tour time!

What: Historic Rose Hill Cemetery COSTUMED Tour

Date: Saturday, September 30

Time: 6 pm to 8 pm (last tour begins 7pm)

Duration: Approximately 1 & 1/2 hours.

Location: 7th Street & 40th Avenue, Meridian, Mississippi (parking in Calvary Bpt Church parking lots.)

FREE and open to the public – suitable for all ages.

More info: 601.479-2483

Red Hot Good Diner food truck on location.

Anne McKee is a Mississippi inspired storyteller.