Nathaniel Smith Headstone Installed at Hillcrest Cemetery
We’re honored to share that a headstone has been installed to mark the final resting place of Nathaniel Smith, who arrived in Mendocino County in the 1850s and is believed to be the first African American to settle on the Mendocino Coast. Thank you to everyone who donated to make this possible!
The Kelley House Museum, with support from California Humanities, commissioned research on Smith for an exhibit in 2024. Using historical maps from Hillcrest Cemetery in Mendocino, we were able to locate his previously unmarked grave.
Back Row: Cemetery District Board Member Jeff Arch, Kelley House Board Member Rob Hawthorn, Kelley House Director Anne Semans.
Front Row: Cemetery District Manager Laurie Hill, Kelley House Board Member Jane Tillis.
We warmly invite any descendants of Nathaniel Smith who would like to help coordinate a memorial ceremony to contact us.
Learn more about Nathaniel Smith in our online slideshow.