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Isaac Nettles Gravesite

The Isaac Nettles gravesite stands as a poignant reminder of the area's rich history and the resilience of its African American community. This historical site, located in the Mount Nebo Cemetery, is of great interest to those seeking to explore the heritage and contributions of African Americans in the region. The gravesite is a testament to Isaac Nettles' life and legacy, serving as a place of reverence and reflection for visitors from near and far.

Isaac Nettles, a prominent figure in Carlton's history, was a former slave who became a successful landowner and community leader during the Reconstruction era. His story is one of triumph over adversity, and the gravesite pays tribute to his remarkable journey. Visitors can explore the well-maintained grounds, which include Isaac Nettles' grave, a historical marker, and informative displays that shed light on his life and the significance of his contributions to the local community.

The four Nettles markers are made of concrete and feature death masks, presumed by scholars to be of the people whose graves they mark. The gravestone of note are of Angel Ezella Nettles (death 1940), Selena (sometimes spelled Celina) Nettles (1800s–January 1940), Korean (sometimes spelled Cora) Nettles (January 1859–July 6, 1933), and Manul Burell (?–August 9, 1946). The marker for Selena Nettles was greatly damaged in 1979 during Hurricane Frederic, and what once displayed her upper torso, is now only a gravestone base.

The Isaac Nettles gravesite not only offers a glimpse into the past but also serves as a place of education and remembrance. It provides an opportunity for visitors to gain insights into the struggles and achievements of African Americans in the South during a pivotal period in American history. Additionally, the site often hosts community events and educational programs, further enriching the visitor experience and fostering a deeper understanding of the area's cultural heritage.

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A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Isaac Nettles Gravesite

These headstones were crafted by Isaac Nettles, Sr. He created the “death masks” by making mud molds of the subjects’ faces while they were still alive. From the molds, he cast the masks using concrete and wire, unable to afford gravestones.

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The Isaac Nettles “death mask” headstones were added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 24, 2000.
Historical Marker Database

The best known of the headstones is one that has three masks. This headstone marks the burial site of Isaac Nettles’ wife, Korean, who died in 1933.
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Located a few graves away is another “death mask” headstone. It is a rough-hewn marker that contains a woman’s face that bears the words Angel Ezella Nettles and “Sis Dollie” in raised letters.
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There was a fourth “death mask” headstone that was located near the wife’s marker. It was the largest of Nettles’ headstones, a life-sized, from-the-hip-up figure of his mother, Selena.

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