Honoring 162 Years of History

Cobb Bethel AME Cemetery Preservation

Join Us in Preserving Our History
We are seeking partnerships with universities, historians, media outlets, and community members to bring awareness and resources to protect this site. Your support can help ensure that future generations understand the depth of Black history in Ben Hill and beyond.

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Benjamin Cobb: A Story That Must Be Told

Cobb Bethel AME Church, founded in 1863, has stood as a pillar of faith, resilience, and community for 162 years. Nestled in the heart of Ben Hill (formerly Bryant’s District), this historic church and its cemetery hold the stories of prosperous Black landowners, farmers, and entrepreneurs—many of whom were building independent lives even before the Civil War ended, during a time when most African American people were still enslaved.
Benjamin Cobb, once believed to be a white landowner, was actually a formerly enslaved Black man who purchased his own land, worked as a drayman, and played a significant role in the Civil War. He supplied General Sherman’s forces during the March to the Sea and was part of the wagon train that entered Washington, D.C. at the end of the war. His story, along with many others buried here, deserves to be preserved and shared.

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Why This Matters

The Cobb Bethel Cemetery is more than a burial ground—it is a historical landmark that connects us to the courage and resilience of our ancestors. Without proper preservation efforts, this invaluable piece of history is at risk of being lost. We need community support to protect and maintain this sacred space.

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