In 1835, five trustees of the African Union Church purchased the half acre of land on which the cemetery and a church (now razed) reside for $80. Throughout its active years, the church and cemetery served the residents of Polktown, one of the state’s earliest free black settlements.

Among the marked burials you’ll find five veterans of Delaware’s United States Colored Troops, identified by the government issued headstones marking these graves. While headstones mark additional graves, many remain unmarked. The date of the last interment is unknown.

After a period of disuse, the cemetery and its care became associated with the Mount Salem UAME Church.

Logistics:
Parking is about 1/3 miles away. Accessible via the Castle Trail.

Admission:
Admission is free.

Getting Here:
The African Union Church Cemetery is located just outside Delaware City, DE. The cemetery is on the Delaware City Branch Canal Trail, which crosses Rt. 9 (Fifth Street) near Kathy’s Crab House. Park here and walk west on the Castle Trail for about one-third of a mile to find the cemetery.

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