HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. — City staff told the Public Works Committee on Oct. 28 that Hendersonville contains at least six small, previously undocumented cemetery sites. Three are reasonably maintained; three require significant work and community engagement.

Staff described the most challenging sites as one embedded in the woods near Mansker Farms, another near Drakes Creek/Stop 30, and a smaller cemetery in Scottish Highlands. Rotary volunteers and private citizens have done cleanup work at several locations; staff said Rotary agreed to continue short-term maintenance at one site and staff will send letters to adjacent property owners to notify them of volunteer activity and solicit local support.

Staff emphasized the city does not own some of the affected properties and said the city will not accept long-term ownership or authorize burials on private parcels. Staff asked civic groups to consider adopting one of the cemeteries for ongoing upkeep and said the city can help with limited tasks such as limb removal when requested.

Why it matters: These small burial sites represent local history and are often located on private land or in wooded lots where neglect can quickly obscure gravestones. Committee members said they appreciated staff’s outreach approach to involve volunteer organizations rather than assuming city maintenance costs.

What’s next: Staff has scheduled a meeting with local descendants and volunteers and will send outreach letters to neighboring property owners. The committee asked staff to continue coordination with Rotary and local historians and to return with any formal adoption agreements or cost estimates before proposing city-funded maintenance.