Pensacola Unveils Marker Honoring 80 Unmarked Graves at Miraflores Park

The City of Pensacola has unveiled a marker at Miraflores Park to honor an unmarked burial ground used predominantly by African American and Creole communities since 1884. The discovery of two sets of human remains in 2021 during a cleanup of the Boy Scout Building led to ground-penetrating radar surveys, confirming at least 80 unmarked graves in the park. Research and biological analysis suggest the individuals buried there include African American or Creole descent, with historical documents indicating the site was intentionally covered up in the early 20th century. The marker dedication, sponsored by the Florida Division of Historical Resources and the National Park Service, marks the first step in a broader effort led by the Miraflores Community Advisory Group to commemorate and preserve the site. Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves emphasized that the marker is only the beginning of ongoing work to honor and respect those buried there. Community members and officials continue to study and plan for further memorialization of this historically significant site.