Forrest Cemetery Traditional Cache

The Ruth R. Cross Memorial Chapel above is one of the most beautiful, historic buildings in Gadsden.  The chapel was built in 1935-36 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) which was organized during the Great Depression to provide jobs for the unemployed. Forrest Cemetery dates back to 1872, Captain A.L. Woodliff selected the site, negotiated for its purchase, and began clearing away the timber at his own expense. He and his sons, George, James.  and Jeff cut the trees and prepared the 10-acre tract for the survey into burial lots. Captain Woodliff selected a site in the far western end of the city in the belief that the city would never grow out that far. Of course in years to come it has been surrounded by homes, churches, and schools. There are now approximately 40 acres of land available for graves. The cache is located in the back section just outside the cemetery perimeter.