WHEN HONOR IS DUE: Groups Partner to Create Unity Across New Trinity to “Restore the Dignity” and Build a “Fence of Honor” at Historic Slave Cemetery.

WHEN HONOR IS DUE: Groups Partner to Create Unity Across New Trinity to “Restore the Dignity” and Build a “Fence of Honor” at Historic Slave Cemetery. 

September 11, 2025 – HALTOM CITY, TX — Along Texas State Highway 183 at 28th and Beach Street lies nearly 140 years of history — a sacred stretch of land where African Americans, once denied burial in white cemeteries during the Jim Crow era, were laid to rest. Known collectively as New Trinity Cemetery, this hallowed ground includes Fretwell Cemetery (1889), New Trinity Cemetery (1920s), and People’s Burial Park (1931). Together, they hold the remains of pastors, educators, community leaders, formerly enslaved men and women — and more than 486 military veterans whose service spans from the Civil War to the War on Terror.

The Founding Vision

The first burial was Rev. Greene Fretwell, who died in 1886. With no burial ground available for African Americans, his widow, Francis Fretwell, rode on horseback from farm to farm collecting donations to purchase two acres of land for a church and cemetery. She raised $30 — a significant sum for the time — and ensured her husband could be reinterred with dignity. Her courageous act of faith laid the foundation for what became a central resting place for Black families in Tarrant County.

Over time, the cemetery grew into a living record of Black history in North Texas. But by the mid-20th century, it had fallen into disrepair, with toppled markers, overgrown grass, and fading memories of those who lay there.

A Dream of Dignity

In 1986, Rev. L.D. Adams, son of Gus Adams, launched a campaign to “restore the dignity of the cemetery” and construct a “fence of honor” around the grounds. His efforts revived many headstones and mobilized volunteers.

In 1987, the City of Haltom City assumed trusteeship of the cemetery under a new Texas law protecting neglected burial grounds. Rev. Adams, then 80 years old, was nominated for the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service for his work.

That same year, Donald N. Thompson American Legion Post 655 began its decades-long stewardship of the cemetery. For almost 40 years, Post 655 members — many of them white veterans — have faithfully honored those interred at New Trinity, including hundreds of Black service members.

“They deserve honor and respect, and we are committed to remembering those veterans and others who served in uniform,” said a Post 655 member at a recent meeting with Buffalo Soldiers and local clergy.

Who Is Buried at New Trinity Cemetery?

New Trinity Cemetery is more than a burial ground — it is a historical archive in stone. Among those interred are:

• Members of the WWI Pioneers Unit

• Buffalo Soldiers from the legendary Black cavalry regiments

• Technician Fifth Grade Florence Marie Rawls, Congressional Gold Medal recipient, and member of the famed 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (Six Triple Eight)

• Tuskegee Airmen, pioneers of African American military aviation

• Dr. Riley Andrew Ransom, Sr., one of Fort Worth’s first Black physicians

• Hundreds of veterans from the Civil War through the War on Terror

When Honor Is Due

In recognition of the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army, Post 655 is joining forces with Bravo Zulu Homefront and New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church Skills City, USA and Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas to launch When Honor Is Due: Honoring Our Veterans at New Trinity Cemetery.

The mission is to restore, beautify, and memorialize these sacred grounds — while telling the stories of those who rest there.

“This is a unique opportunity to bring our community together to pay homage to the brave men and women who served during impossible times with distinction and dignity,” said Pastor Kyev Tatum of New Mount Rose. “This is more than a good thing to do — it is the most honorable thing to do.”

Unity Across New Trinity

The new collaborative, now formally called Unity Across New Trinity, will begin with cemetery cleanup efforts and long-term planning for a permanent “Fence of Dignity” and memorial project, ensuring the preservation of this historic site for future generations.

Upcoming Days of Service at New Trinity Cemetery

• Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 9:00 AM

• Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 9:00 AM (Veterans Day)

• Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 9:00 AM (Wreaths Across America)

• Volunteers will place more than 486 wreaths — one for each veteran’s grave.

For more information or to volunteer with Unity Across New Trinity, contact American Legion Post 655 at 817-834-1632 or New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church at 817-966-7625.