Tennessee Awarded Grant to Beck Knob Cemetery
The historic Chattanooga site will use state funding to restore its grounds and entrance.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Historical
Live Poll
Do you believe local historical sites should receive more public funding for restoration?
The State of Tennessee has awarded a grant to Chattanooga's Beck Knob Cemetery to support restoration efforts. Established in 1865, the historic site will use the funds to clean the grounds and rebuild its entrance.
Why it matters
The grant is part of a broader state initiative to preserve historical landmarks in anticipation of America's 250th anniversary. This funding ensures the continued protection of sites with significant community history.
Beck Knob Cemetery was founded in 1865 on land donated by Joshua Beck. The site is located in the Northshore area of Chattanooga across from Normal Park.
The players
Joshua Beck
He was the original landowner who donated the property for the establishment of the cemetery.
State of Tennessee
This government entity is providing the grant funding as part of its historical landmark preservation program.
The details
The grant funds will facilitate a comprehensive cleanup of the cemetery site and the reconstruction of the entrance. This work aims to preserve the integrity of the landmark as part of a statewide historical preservation project.
Timeline
Beck Knob Cemetery was established in 1865.
A community cleanup event is planned for MLK Day.
Culture Shift
This project aligns with the national focus on the Semiquincentennial Commission of the United States as communities prepare for the country's 250th anniversary. It reflects a growing effort to ensure that historically significant sites are maintained for future generations.
Residents can participate in the restoration process by joining the scheduled community cleanup event. The project also provides the public with improved access to a significant historic landmark in the Northshore area.
The takeaway
Preserving historic cemeteries serves as a vital way to maintain the connection between modern communities and their past. Residents can contribute to this legacy by volunteering at local maintenance events.
What happens next
A community-led cleanup event is scheduled for the cemetery grounds on MLK Day.
Further reading
Learn more about local preservation efforts on the Chattanooga Historical section.
More information
For more information on preservation efforts, visit the African American Cemetery Preservation Fund.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 12 Now.
Live Poll
Do you believe local historical sites should receive more public funding for restoration?
