Wednesday, April 15, 2009

DHR’s report on Richmond’s historic “Burial Ground for Negroes” (ca. 1750-1816).

DHR’s report on Richmond’s historic “Burial Ground for Negroes” (ca. 1750-1816). DHR has gathered and assessed evidence about the location and probable condition of the former Richmond free black and slave burial ground known as the "Burial Ground for Negroes." The agency has concluded that the preponderance of evidence from available sources indicates that the Burial Ground and gallows are located under the north and south bound lanes of Interstate 95. However, a very small portion of the Burial Ground also may intrude upon a parking lot in Shockoe Bottom now owned by Virginia Commonwealth University. DHR also has concluded that the area likely to contain the Burial Ground has not been damaged by the recent construction of I-95, which deposited between 7-10 feet of fill on an area already covered with 8-10 feet of fill deposited since the middle 19th century. However, unknown 19th-century disturbance could have occurred.

See the slave burial ground report (PDF). (Updated 8-7-08)

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