After the Civil War, four million formerly enslaved people took charge of their own lives, began to exercise their rights, and started their own communities. They built homes, schools, churches, and businesses, and for the first time black men and women could own property. Here, the community named Cemetery took shape when soldiers from the 111th US Colored Infantry who had built Stones River National Cemetery bought land and started their new lives near the place where they worked. By 1880, most of Cemetery's residents were African Americans, and half of its farmers were black males. Black farmers and laborers worked the surrounding fields to grow cotton, tobacco, and corn. Despite the hostility of white neighbors and the creation of the national battlefield, Cemetery endured for over 60 years.