New Archibald Yell monument / Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer
A new monument marking the graves of Archibald Yell and his family was unveiled Saturday at Evergreen Cemetery in Fayetteville.
The monument replaces a crumbling, 170-year-old marker that had deteriorated over time.
The new structure is a replica of the original monument, and is constructed of solid marble, whereas the original included several assembled marble pieces. Officials with the Fayetteville Evergreen Cemetery Association said they’re still looking for a home for the original pieces.
Efforts to replace the monument began several years ago, and included a series of fundraising performances. The “History Comes Alive” events featured actors portraying some of Fayetteville’s founders and civic leaders who are buried at the cemetery, including Roberta Fulbright, Stephen Stone, Lessie Stringfellow Reed, A.S. Vandeventer, Sophia Sawyer and Archibald Yell.
Yell was the state’s first congressman and second governor. He left congress to fight in the Mexican-American war, where he died in 1847. His body was transported back to his Waxhaws family estate in south Fayetteville before eventually being moved to Evergreen Cemetery, along with the bodies of his family members.
The 4.5-acre cemetery is located at Center Street and University Avenue, and contains approximately 3000 known burials.
File photo of the original monument
