Beaumont Project Uncovers Historic Black Cemeteries

A city water line project has been rerouted after discovering three historic burial grounds near Pine Street and Marina Drive.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in African-American

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring a silhouetted iron gate against a geometric sun, representing the preservation of historic burial sites. — City officials in Beaumont have rerouted a major water line project to protect three historic burial grounds discovered during construction. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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City officials in Beaumont have halted a water line project after archaeologists uncovered three historic Black cemeteries. Researchers identified nearly 400 individuals buried at the site, which sits near the intersection of Pine Street and Marina Drive.

Why it matters

The discovery preserves local history and honors the resting places of nearly 400 people, including the Reverend Woodson Pipkin. By redesigning the water line route, the city aims to protect these sites from infrastructure-related damage.

Archaeologists have confirmed the existence of 33 grave shafts across the Martha Mack, Sheffield, and Murray cemeteries. These historic sites contain the remains of nearly 400 individuals.

The players

Rev. Woodson Pipkin

He is a historical figure whose burial has been documented within the discovered cemetery area.

The details

The city initiated an investigation in November 2025 after concerns were raised regarding the potential for burial sites along the water line route. Construction was subsequently paused, and the Martha Mack and Sheffield cemeteries have since received official Historic Texas Cemetery designations.

November 2025: Concerns about possible burial grounds were first raised.
October 21, 2026: News of the burial ground discovery was published.

Culture Shift

The identification of these cemeteries follows the protective standards established by the Historic Texas Cemetery designation. This move reflects a growing societal commitment to preserving and documenting the history of overlooked Black burial sites.

Residents should anticipate delays in the municipal water line project as the city performs necessary engineering redesigns. These changes are required to preserve the historic burial grounds while maintaining local infrastructure needs.

The takeaway

This discovery highlights the importance of historical surveyance during municipal infrastructure development to protect cultural heritage. Residents are encouraged to respect the sanctity of these newly identified burial sites as the city finalizes its preservation plans.