The 20th annual Silent City Tour of Columbia Cemetery is scheduled for tonight, Monday, Oct. 12, at 5 p.m. CDT.
The tour will feature six stops with presenters portraying former residents of the cemetery. Presenters include Dave Thomas, LeeAnn Jessee, Annita Dial, Richard Phelps, Mike Watson and newcomers Tabitha Morgan, Amy Thomas and Renea Watson.
Established before 1812, Columbia Cemetery was originally located outside the town limits. Over the past two centuries, additional land has been acquired to expand the cemetery, which holds the remains of numerous individuals with stories of historical interest. Each October, the tour highlights a handful of those individuals and their lives.
The first Silent City Tour was organized in 2007 by the Adair County Genealogical Society with assistance from the Adair County Public Library. The event has been held every year since, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour is free, and the public is invited to attend.
Guests are encouraged to park at the Adair County Public Library, 307 Greensburg St., or along the route to the cemetery. Participants traditionally meet, sign in and walk together to the tour's starting point.
Those with mobility concerns may park at the Justice Center or the farmers market parking lot and walk to the Old Section of the cemetery with the group departing from the library.
The tour typically lasts about an hour. Afterward, participants are invited to return to the Research Center, where refreshments will be available and guests can visit with the presenters.
For more information, call 270-380-1024.
