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.
Results 1 to 2 of 2...
Visitor Tips and News About Headstone of Black Jesus
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
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]
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 Streetside Grave, Huntsville, TX - < 1 mi.
Prison Bat Colony, Huntsville, TX - < 1 mi.
Grave of Tripod the Dog, Huntsville, TX - < 1 mi.Latest Tips Across Roadside America
Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.
Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!
Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.
