Chiseled Art & Enduring Memory: Bozeman’s Historic Black Community in Sunset Hills Cemetery

There’s something powerful about telling stories in the place where lives are remembered. This walking tour through Sunset Hills Cemetery explores the history of Bozeman’s Black community by visiting the headstones of those who helped shape the town’s early years. Together, we will honor members of the Samuel Lewis family, Lizzie Williams, the McDonald family, and so many others whose lives were woven into the fabric of this growing settler community. We’ll also take time to appreciate the art and symbolism carved in stone, exploring the craftsmanship, iconography, and architectural styles that mark these resting places. More than a cemetery tour, this experience restores visibility, honors legacy, and reflects on the enduring presence of Black life in Bozeman’s history.