Cemetery For Former Slaves Found, Rededicated In Vacant Virginia Lot
Those buried were Civil War-era blacks who were newly freed or escaping slavery. They traveled to the city of Alexandria in hopes of starting a new life, which was occupied by the Union Army.
While they had freedom, there was little in the way of resources due to crowded, unsanitary conditions. This caused illness and more tragedy to sweep through the area.
Local officials and others gathered at the site Saturday to rededicate the cemetery. The beats of the African Heritage Drummers provided the backdrop for a ceremony that included the pouring of libations, poetry reading and singing of traditional spirituals The luminarias were individually decorated by people in the community, including schoolchildren and others who attended community workshops.
Officials estimate more than 1,800 people were buried at the site between the spring of 1864 and January 1869.
Historians know as much because a ledger was kept listing the names of those buried there. By matching names with hospital admission records, possible causes of death were identified. About half those buried were children.
Demolition completed last week finished removing a gas station and an office building that had been built on the site after the 1940s. In about six months when the archaeological work is complete, the next phase of the project -- developing a memorial park -- will begin.
By Tammie Smith - Times-Dispatch
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