I have a passion for ghost towns and cemeteries. 

I've traveled to many in my short time on Earth. Dunlap's black settlement and its cemetery may be my favorite.

I first went to Dunlap in 2001 0r 2002 for another newspaper to write a story of its history. Once there, I visited with a couple of residents, who knew the history of this former exoduster settlement.

Dunlap was started as a primarily white community in the 1870s. Pap Singleton found land cheap in the area, and started his colony only a few years later.

All that remains in the broken-down Baptist Church and the cemetery -- which is located about a half-mile down the road from the "white" cemetery. 

Instead the church is the remains of a pew and a piano. A sign does say posted, keep out. I assume it is on private property. 

The cemetery, however, is public. Someone keeps it well maintained, and a few of the graves still had fresh flowers from Memorial Day. 

The other ghost towns are also intriguing, and many include cemeteries. Diamond Creek road, which leads to the Santa Fe Trail stop of Diamond Springs, as a few dilapidated buildings and a cemetery. The road itself is a scenic drive, and those who know a little of its history will pass two ghost town sites before hitting Diamond Springs. A sign marks the former town of Hymer.