Pine Forest Cemetery

Pine Forest Cemetery occupies a distinctive position in Wilmington's landscape as a historic African American burial ground with roots stretching back nearly two hundred years. Located at the terminus of North Sixteenth Street, the cemetery has served as the final resting place for numerous community leaders, legends, and loved ones whose lives shaped the region. The cemetery's current mission centers on transforming this historic site into what it describes as an "open-air history gallery"—a space that memorializes the struggles and achievements of African Americans in the Cape Fear Region while continuing to serve contemporary burial needs.

The cemetery's leadership frames its work through a lens of community healing and historical preservation. Rather than operating as a conventional for-profit cemetery, Pine Forest Cemetery emphasizes its role as a "healing balm and symbol of peace" for the community. This dual mission—simultaneously providing affordable burial services and preserving African American heritage—distinguishes the cemetery from other burial grounds in the Wilmington area. The site actively promotes itself as an educational destination, offering tours that connect visitors with the area's rich cultural history.