Honoring a legacy of
Welcome to Robinson Cemetery of Hannibal, Missouri. A historic, final resting place preserving the memories of our community since 1921. We are dedicated to maintaining a serene and dignified environment for all who visit.
24 hours
Response time
92%
Satisfaction rate
“ The grounds are so peaceful and beautifully maintained. A wonderful place to visit and remember. ”
The Smith Family
“ We are so grateful for the association's work in preserving our town's history. ”
John D.
“ The volunteers were so helpful in helping us locate my great-grandfather's plot. ”
Marquestia G.
Honoring Our Past, Preserving Our Future
#Reflect#Remember#Honor
The Edward Robinson Cemetery in Hannibal, Missouri, is a sacred place where families and friends can celebrate the lives and legacies of those who came before us. For more than a century, this historic cemetery has stood as a symbol of strength and unity for Hannibal’s Black community — a place where stories of courage, faith, and perseverance are lovingly preserved.
Today our grounds offer a peaceful, park-like setting where generations can walk among the resting places of veterans, teachers, church leaders, and families who shaped our city’s heart and history. Here, every path tells a story — of freedom hard-earned, of families bound by love, and of a community’s enduring spirit.
We are proud to serve as a caring partner to you, your family, and our community. The Robinson Cemetery Association of Hannibal Missouri a501(c)(3)a non-profit established in 2022, is dedicated to preserving and beautifying this sacred space, so it remains a source of pride, reflection, and connection for generations to come. Together, we honor those who built our past while keeping their legacy alive in the present — one step, one memory, one act of care at a time.
We invite you to join us in our mission — visit the grounds, volunteer in our cleanup and preservation efforts, or make a contribution to help protect this important piece of Hannibal’s history. Together, we can ensure the Edward Robinson Cemetery continues to be a place of peace, remembrance, and community for years to come.
Learn more about usFirst Interment
969+
Graves Interred
12,500+
Current descendants of those buried.
History
Robinson Cemetery was created in the early 1920s to serve Hannibal’s African-American community, which at the time had no local burial ground due to segregation.In 1921, shortly after his mother Martha Tate’s death, Arthur “Lee” Robinson and his wife Laura (Tate) Robinson purchased land east of the city (just outside the Elzea subdivision, bordered by Clark Street and what became Robinson Street) for a new cemetery.
They had previously freed their family from debt by selling Laura’s father’s farm in 1914. In 1921 the Robinsons formally surveyed and platted the property as Robinson Cemetery. Contemporary accounts emphasize that“some cemeteries of the day forbid the burial of people of Negro descent,” and that Robinson Cemetery was thus explicitly created “to serve people of color.”
The original 1921 plat lists dozens of local African-American families as lot owners including A.L. Robinson himself, Sylvester Robinson, Dr. O.C. Queen, and others, showing broad community support for the project. Local news of the period confirms: “the cemetery…dates back to 1921 when it was established by Albert L. Robinson”.
Grounds Maintenance
Our dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to ensure the cemetery is a clean, safe, and beautiful place for reflection and remembrance.
Activity Reporting
We strive to embrace and drive change in the cemetery industry which allows us to keep our descendants relevant.
Historical Preservation
We are committed to preserving the headstones, monuments, and records that tell the story of our community's past.
Genealogy & Research
We assist families and researchers in exploring their roots by providing access to our extensive burial records and historical data..
Community Events
We host annual cleanup days and memorial events to bring the community together and honor those who rest here.
Volunteering
Our cemetery is maintained by volunteers. Learn how you can contribute your time and skills to this important community effort.
Help Preserve Our History
The Robinson Cemetery Association of Hannibal Missouri is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of our community to maintain and preserve these historic grounds. Your donation supports groundskeeping, headstone restoration, and historical record-keeping.
Our Current Campaign: New Circle Drive Runway
Many of the oldest headstones in Robinson Cemetery have weathered over the decades and are in need of professional restoration. Our current goal is to raise $5,000 to restore 20 of the most historically significant markers.
$1200
Raised so far...
2...
years since this campaign has started...
48k+
dollars left to go to reach our goal. Let's go!
All about Edward Robinson
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