Porter Rea Cemetery traces roots of integrated 19th-century settlement in St. Joseph County

NORTH LIBERTY, Ind. (WNDU) - At Potato Creek State Park, you might not see it at first — but there’s a story here.

A story of a community that lived side by side in the 1800s, despite laws and attitudes that made coexistence difficult.

Porter Rea Cemetery may look quiet today, but these headstones trace back to one of the earliest communities in St. Joseph County — built during a time when Indiana law restricted the rights of Black residents.

Despite those restrictions, families connected to what became known as the Huggart Settlement bought land, farmed it, and built lasting roots here.

“They established this community when Blacks weren’t supposed to go to school, let alone attend and help build an integrated school like they did at Olive Branch,” said Jan Shupert, a descendant and local historian.

Historians say the Huggart Settlement was part of a broader movement of free Black families coming north in search of opportunity.

“The Huggart Settlement was one among many free Black settlements in Indiana during the 19th century,” said Ben Clark, cultural resources manager for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

As the community grew, so did the need for a place to lay loved ones to rest.

And when Porter Rea Cemetery was established in 1854, something about it stood out.

“It was not common at all for Black and white people to be buried next to each other,” Clark explained. “But in this community, Black and white people lived next to each other, so it made sense for them to be buried next to each other as well. But it was pretty unique for the period.”

“This cemetery was never affiliated with any particular congregation. It was just a neighborhood cemetery. And so, anyone could bury their dead there,” Shupert said.

In a century defined by division across much of the country, this small rural community chose something different.

“These were extraordinary African-American families… people who believed in freedom for everyone," Shupert said.

And as we recognize Black History Month, Shupert says this story isn’t just about the past.

“Black History Month really should be just Black history every month,” Shupert said.

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