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Local historian aims to restore Shop Road cemetery

A little known World War 1 cemetery in the Midlands may be receiving a facelift soon.

Columbia, SC (WLTX) - — If you Google search "Child's Cemetery" on your phone, you're not going to find much info about the cemetery or the cemetery's location.

The Cemetery, located behind the old Intertape Polymer Plant on Shop Road, is home to soldiers of the 371st Infantry Regiment 93rd Division, which is a group of soldiers from South Carolina that serve in World War I.

“The 371st their story has been untold and forgotten and we’re in the position to bring the past back to the present.” says Sonya Hodges-Grantham, who is working to restore the Cemetery.

The Regiment was formed at Camp Jackson, South Carolina back in 1917. It consisted of African America draftees and enlisted men from the South.

“My grandfather he was a member of the 371st and he was buried there and then we have about four other members that are buried there.” says Hodges-Grantham. “I hope to just keep it going keep the history alive and continue working to restore the cemetery and bring it back to life.”

The Centennial Homecoming for the Regiment will be held at Allen University in February.

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