In partnership with Columbia Borough, the Columbia Historic Preservation Society has acquired the stewardship of the historic landmark, Zion Hill Cemetery, to preserve and honor those forgotten people who played such a significant role in shaping the history of Columbia. We are currently turning this site into a memorial park so future generations may visit to learn of the contributions made by these brave souls resting here. Our ongoing research into this forgotten history will recognize the many roles played by the residents of Columbia’s “Tow Hill” neighborhood. The Columbia Historic Preservation Society is promoting this history with an emphasis on continuing research into the origins of Columbia’s importance and role in being the birthplace of the “Underground Railroad.”
The Four Oaks Geophysics Investigation
The Zion Hill Cemetery Investigation was conducted on September 27-29 and October 2, 2023. The survey area was a grassy field surrounded by woodlands and areas of overgrown vegetation. The survey area was approximately 250-feet by 140-feet in size. The approximate survey boundaries are shown on Figure 1. Multiple large trees were located within the survey area as well as several grave markers and tombstones. However, these tombstones are not known to mark graves; some were placed in recent years by the Historic Preservation Society. The purpose of the investigation was to identify suspected graves located within the survey area. It has been reported that tens and possibly hundreds of unmarked graves are located within this survey area. It is unknown if the persons buried within this area were buried within caskets or shrouds.
CHPS 