Mount Paran Campground and Cemetery is an historical landmark located on Winchester Road in New Market, Alabama, consisting of 5.9 acres and more than 400 burials. The cemetery is the final resting place for many of the founders and pioneer settlers of Madison County, Alabama.  The cemetery’s oldest stone marker is Mahala Criner’s and is dated in 1824; but local historical records indicate that the first burial may have been Spencer Rice in 1806 or 1807, making this the oldest burial ground in Madison County.  Over the centuries, Mount Paran has been used in many ways, each with its own historical significance.  In 1813 at the beginning of the Creek Wars, Andrew Jackson and his troops used the land as a campsite.  In the 1860s during the time of state militias and the Civil War, Mount Paran was used as a muster ground where men and young boys would learn and practice military skills.  Stagecoaches used land in front of Mount Paran as a stop to pick up and drop off passengers and mail.  Mount Paran was also one of the first Cumberland Presbyterian campsites in Madison County, Alabama. It was the meeting place for old time brush arbor camp style church meetings.

 

Isaac Criner, the first permanent settler of Madison County, is buried in the cemetery.  At least three Revolutionary War Patriots – Samuel Davis, Moses Poor, and Jacob Caulk – are buried in the cemetery.  As many as 20 veterans of the War of 1812 and 32 Civil War veterans are buried at Mount Paran.  

 

 

Donations pay for monthly mowing of the cemetery.  Volunteers, including Maple Hill Chapter members, perform limb pickup, downed tree removal, and grave marker cleaning.  A grant from the Alabama Historical Society is funding grave marker repair.

 

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