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Huntsville, Texas: Headstone of Black Jesus

Actually the gravestone of Rawley Rather Powell, who died, age 5, in 1925. His parents erected a life-size bronze Jesus above Rawley's grave, and Jesus has turned black over time.

Oakwood Cemetery

Address:
9th St., Huntsville, TX
Directions:
Oakwood Cemetery. On the north side of the cemetery, roughly due north of its entrance gate off of 9th St.
Hours:
Gated after hours. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
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Headstone of Black Jesus

Actually it's dark green, the color of corroded copper. "Black Jesus" is the name given by Sam Houston State University students, who use it to frighten fraternity and sorority initiates. It is one of the few full-sized copies in the US of one of the world's great sculptures, "The Christus" by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen.

Many claim the site is haunted and that the hands move at night from palm up to palm down.

[Lee Murrah, 11/15/2016]

Black Jesus.

Headstone of Black Jesus

Oakwood Cemetery in Huntsville not only has the grave of Sam Houston, it also has a life-size bronze statue of Jesus. Over time this statue has turned black and is now referred to as "Black Jesus." Legend says that if you stand there long enough he will move his hands from palm up to palm down and his eyes seem to follow you when you walk around him. Did not happen for us. A beautiful and unique headstone.

[Marti Mason, 06/05/2012]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Sam Houston's GraveSam Houston's Grave, Huntsville, TX - < 1 mi.
Prison Bat ColonyPrison Bat Colony, Huntsville, TX - < 1 mi.
Grave of Tripod the DogGrave of Tripod the Dog, Huntsville, TX - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Texas Prison Museum, Huntsville, TX - 2 mi.

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