Rhea County, Tennessee is remarkable for having over 230 cemeteries scattered across its rolling landscape—ranging from small family plots hidden in wooded hollows to larger community burial grounds. Recognizing this rich but fragile heritage, the Rhea County Historical Society has made cemetery preservation a cornerstone of their mission. Through meticulous efforts like cataloguing grave inscriptions in two extensive volumes (covering more than 230 cemeteries to date), ongoing brush-clearing, headstone repair, and volunteer-driven restoration projects, the society ensures that even the smallest and most forgotten resting places are protected from nature and neglect. Our work preserves not only physical monuments but also the stories of generations past, guaranteeing that the memory of Rhea County’s ancestors endures for future visitors and scholars alike.