Cemetery History
A chronicle of Pierce Cemetery and the community it has served since 1921.
African American History in Fayetteville
Fayetteville and Fayette County, West Virginia have a rich and often underexplored African American history. The development of the coal mining industry in the New River Gorge region drew significant numbers of African American workers and families to the area in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
These families built churches, schools, civic organizations, and businesses. They raised families, educated their children, served in the military, led their communities in faith and civic life, and contributed to every aspect of Fayetteville's history. Pierce Cemetery is one of the most important surviving physical records of that community.
Source: Research informed by "To Be Black in Fayette," compiled by Ancella R. Bickley for The Centennial Committee of the Second Baptist Church of Fayetteville, West Virginia, and The Fayette County Black Caucus. Foundation research is ongoing.
Historical Timeline
Establishment of Pierce Cemetery
Pierce Cemetery was established as a burial ground serving the African American community of Fayetteville, West Virginia. The earliest recorded use of the cemetery dates to this period, though foundation research is ongoing to confirm the precise founding circumstances.
Growth of the African American Community
The development of mining in Fayette County brought significant migration of African American workers and families to the region. Many of these families made Fayetteville their permanent home. The cemetery served families connected to local churches, schools, and civic organizations.
World War I Era
Current research indicates that veterans from this era may be among those interred at Pierce Cemetery. Foundation research is ongoing to identify and verify military service records for individuals buried during this period.
World War II Veterans
The cemetery includes documented veterans of World War II. Among the confirmed burials is Clarence B. Anderson, a Private in the 47th QM Regiment, World War II (December 3, 1912 – September 2, 1943). Additional veteran research is ongoing.
Notable Community Leaders
The Reverend Charles N. Alston (January 23, 1905 – June 1951), a prominent religious leader, is among those buried at Pierce Cemetery, as documented in the cemetery inventory.
Changing Documentation
Over subsequent decades, records of burials at Pierce Cemetery became less consistent. Like many historic African American cemeteries, the cemetery experienced periods when community resources for maintenance and documentation were limited. Research into this period is ongoing.
Foundation Established
The Pierce Cemetery Foundation was formally established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to coordinate restoration, documentation, and preservation efforts. Community volunteers, researchers, and descendants have partnered to begin systematic documentation of the cemetery.
Active Restoration and Research
The Foundation is currently conducting a comprehensive burial inventory, headstone assessment, map creation, and historical research. Over 149 burial records have been documented in the marked burial inventory, with additional unmarked burial sites also recorded.
Veterans of Pierce Cemetery
Pierce Cemetery holds the remains of veterans who served the United States military. The Foundation is actively working to identify all veterans buried at Pierce Cemetery and to ensure their service is properly documented and recognized.
Among documented veterans: Clarence B. Anderson, PVT 47 QM REGT, World War II, West Virginia (December 3, 1912 – September 2, 1943). Additional veteran research is in progress.
Military information will only be published after verification through official records and Foundation documentation standards.
Current & Future Preservation Plans
The Foundation is currently in Phase One of a multi-phase preservation effort. Current priorities include completing a full burial inventory, conducting marker condition assessments, developing a digital cemetery database, creating an interactive map, and building community partnerships.
Future phases will include headstone conservation and restoration, veterans recognition programs, educational partnerships with local schools and universities, historical research archives, and development of a visitor experience at the cemetery.