The community of Miller Grove east of Glendale was founded by freedman who came to Pope County in 1844. The Miller Grove Cemetery is believed to be the first all black cemetery in Illinois. Life in the community revolved around Mt. Gilead Methodist Church and school. The last family left the area in 1925 and archaeological excavations in recent years have been undertaken by Southern Illinois University. Oral histories passed down indicate families from the community were involved int he Underground Railroad.