In Tallahassee, Florida, a proposed sale of the Capital City Country Club has sparked outrage due to the site’s historical significance. This land, once a plantation, conceals the burial grounds of enslaved individuals who contributed to the region’s history.
History Beneath the Surface
Located less than a mile from the Florida State Capitol, the Capital City Country Club is more than just a golf course. Archaeologists from the National Park Service have discovered 23 unmarked graves and 14 possible additional graves near the club’s 7th hole. These graves belong to enslaved people who lived and died on the land.
The club, which has operated on city-owned land for nearly 70 years, has only paid a nominal fee of $1 annually since 1956. This arrangement began after the club reverted to private ownership, allowing it to avoid compliance with a Supreme Court ruling that banned segregation.
Activism and Community Response
Local activists have raised concerns about the city’s plan to sell the 178-acre golf course for $1.25 million to the country club. The proposal includes stipulations to maintain the property as a golf course and to establish a commemorative site for the graves, ensuring public access.
- Delaitre Hollinger, a prominent activist, voiced strong opposition, stating, “They were sold on the auction blocks of Leon County, and now we are willing to sell them again.”
- Concerns have escalated as residents question the city’s years-long inaction on creating a memorial for the graves.
- Kathleen Powers Conti, a history professor, criticized the proposal, emphasizing the need to identify those buried and connect with their descendants.
Historical Context
Leon County had a significant slave population before the Civil War, with many residents enslaved by wealthy families. Today, only a handful of known slave burial sites exist in the area, despite the numerous plantations that once thrived.
Next Steps and Community Engagement
Following a packed City Hall meeting where community members expressed their concerns, city commissioners voted to postpone discussions about the sale. Stakeholders are now calling for meaningful actions to honor and remember the lives lost.
This debate reflects a broader dialogue about recognizing the histories of marginalized communities. Advocates are determined to ensure that the memories of those who were enslaved are respected and commemorated properly in the community.
