Yesterday, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves announced that as a result of research following the discovery of human remains at Miraflores Park in June 2021, the city will conduct a burial ground study of the park’s grounds to assess, interpret and commemorate the site.
Miraflores Park was originally known as Havana Square before being renamed in 1965 as part of Pensacola’s Fiesta of Five Flags celebration. Ongoing historic research has identified multiple historic documents including newspaper articles, meeting minutes, legal records, and a map indicating that Havana Square was used as a burial ground primarily for people of African American or Creole descent.
I spent time this morning reviewing newspaper archives and found a report from City Engineer Galt Chipley to the city board of commissioners that was published in The Pensacolian on August 13, 1887. Chipley wrote, “I find all the city squares and Bayview Park free of trespass except Malaga Square, occupied by schoolhouse and Havana Square, which is being used as a negro graveyard.”
He recommended, “If Pensacola grows, as we expect, this square will be the most beautiful in the city. It is situated on rising ground and at such an elevation that a fine view of both bio and bay can be had. I would suggest that further interment should be stopped and all those already buried should be removed.”
I found no mention of whether the bodies buried at the cemetery were ever removed. We know of two that were not.
A couple other notes: The Boy Scout building was named the Elebash Boy and Girl Scout Center in 1952 to honor the late Eugene Elebash – an initiative by the Kiwanis Club. It’s not clear if Elebash is the Sr. or Jr. Eugene Elebash, Sr. founded Elebash Jewelry Co. with his brother LeGrand when they bought a watchmaker and jewelry business in 1919 from Peter Lindenstruth.
Havana Square was renamed Miraflores Park on June 12, 1965 to honor Pensacola’s sister city, Miraflores, Peru. A bust of Peruvian poet Ricardo Palma was placed in the park.