Author Documents Alabama Burial Sites
Mollie Smith Waters catalogs cemeteries across all 67 counties in a new book presented to local residents.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Landscaping
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Author and instructor Mollie Smith Waters recently presented her new book, Historic Resting Places Of Alabama, during a tour stop in Tuscaloosa. The collection catalogs burial sites across all 67 Alabama counties.
Why it matters
For residents interested in local genealogy or preservation, the book provides a visual record of Alabama history. Waters documented the state's heritage by visiting every county and capturing 12,000 photos for her project.
The book features photos from all 67 Alabama counties, compiled from 12,000 images taken during fieldwork. Waters conducted 13 separate speaking engagements throughout October 2026 to share her findings.
The players
Mollie Smith Waters
A college instructor at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College who specializes in documenting historic Alabama cemeteries through photography and research.
Alabama Red Rovers
A volunteer military company formed in 1835 whose historical legacy is preserved in state burial grounds.
The details
To achieve consistent lighting for her photography, Waters began her daily field work at 4:00 AM, arriving at cemetery locations by 6:30 AM. Her research into state graveyards began in August 2021 as a weekly column for The Greenville Standard, which served as the foundation for this book. The work highlights significant historical figures, including members of the Alabama Red Rovers, who were formed in November 1835 and killed during the Goliad Massacre on March 27, 1836.
Timeline
November 1835: Formation of the Alabama Red Rovers.
March 27, 1836: The Goliad Massacre occurred.
August 2021: Waters started writing a weekly cemetery column.
October 29, 2026: Book presentation held in Tuscaloosa.
November 1, 2026: Upcoming speaking engagement scheduled.
The Home Front
This project reflects a broader trend of increased interest in local historical preservation and genealogy documentation. By digitizing and archiving these sites, researchers are helping to protect the narrative of Alabama's landscape.
If you are researching family history or local burial sites in Tuscaloosa, you may find this catalog useful for identifying historic figures in your area. Check local event calendars if you wish to attend future speaking engagements to learn more about site preservation techniques.
The takeaway
Documenting your family history through cemetery records can provide a deeper connection to regional heritage. Keep this book as a resource for exploring Alabama history or contact your local historical society to learn about preservation efforts in your specific neighborhood.
Further reading
For more on managing and researching local outdoor spaces, visit our Landscaping section.
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