Blacks Cemetery

Blacks Cemetery

Overview

Blacks Cemetery, located approximately four miles outside of New Carlisle in Clark County, Ohio, is regarded as one of the region’s most historically significant burial grounds. Established in the early 19th century, it is the oldest cemetery in Clark County and is named after Samuel Black, who donated the land and was its first interment in 1814. Over the years, it has become associated with reports of unexplained lights, voices, and occasional apparitions seen among the gravestones.

Location

• Address: State Route 235 near Marquart Road
• City/County: New Carlisle, Clark County, Ohio
• Public Access: Yes — publicly accessible roadside cemetery

Haunting / Legend Summary

Blacks Cemetery is said to be haunted by unexplained lights, disembodied voices, and shadowy figures that appear to move between the gravestones. Reports generally describe soft, whispering voices that seem to come from nowhere and glowing orbs or floating lights seen after dark. Some witnesses have claimed to see human-like shapes or faint figures walking through the rows of headstones before vanishing.

Most reports occur at night, particularly in the warmer months when local visitors and investigators visit the site. No single ghost or legend is associated with the cemetery; rather, it is said to be a general site of spiritual unrest.

Historical Background

Blacks Cemetery is the oldest known burial ground in Clark County, Ohio. The land was donated by Samuel Black, an early settler of the region, who became the first person interred there in 1814. The cemetery served as the primary burial site for the surrounding rural community throughout much of the 19th century.

No new burials have occurred in the cemetery since 1939, though the site continues to be maintained. The headstones, some dating back over two centuries, reflect the area’s pioneer history and the hardships faced by early settlers.

There is not enough available information regarding specific events, such as notable deaths, vandalism, or restorations, beyond the general upkeep of the property.

Reported Phenomena

• Apparitions: Reports of shadowy or human-like forms seen walking between tombstones.
• Cold Spots: N/A
• Voices/EVPs: Witnesses report hearing soft, disembodied voices, often described as whispering.
• Physical Touches: N/A
• Object Movement: N/A
• Malfunctions: N/A
• Poltergeist Activity: N/A
• Shadow Figures: Occasionally described as dark outlines or mist-like shapes seen at night.
• Time Anomalies: N/A

Skepticism & Alternative Explanations

There are several possible explanations for the phenomena reported at Blacks Cemetery:

• Optical Illusions: Vehicle headlights from nearby State Route 235 may reflect off old or polished headstones, creating the appearance of floating lights.
• Auditory Misinterpretation: The rural environment may amplify or distort natural sounds such as wind, insects, or distant voices, leading to perceptions of whispering or disembodied speech.
• Psychological Factors: Visitors who expect paranormal activity—particularly at night—may experience heightened suggestibility, causing them to misinterpret ordinary stimuli as supernatural.
• Environmental Factors: Moisture in the air, temperature changes, and bioluminescent insects can also create visual effects mistaken for glowing orbs or apparitions.

While the cemetery’s age and atmosphere contribute to its eerie reputation, no verifiable evidence has been presented to confirm paranormal activity at the site.

Visitor Information

• Visiting Hours: There is not enough available information for this section.
• Fees or Costs: N/A
• Contact Info: There is not enough available information for this section.
• Warnings/Restrictions: Visitors should remain respectful of the graves and avoid visiting after dark without permission, as the cemetery remains an active historical site under local jurisdiction.

Citations / References

• “The Blacks Cemetery.” Forgotten Ohio
• Local oral histories, Clark County, Ohio.