Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground
The Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground in Richmond, VA has a rich and complex history. Established in 1816 as a new burial ground for the city's black residents, it consisted of one acre for free people of color and one acre for slaves. Over the years, the graveyard expanded and became known as the Africa n Bur yin g Ground, serving as the final resting place for thousands of individuals. The site witnessed significant events, including restrictions on enslaved Richmonders' ability to conduct their own funerals and the burial of Union prisoners of war during the Civil War.
Despite its lack of formal enclosure, the Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground remained in use for decades, with interment reports documenting the ongoing relationship between the African American and white sections of the grounds. The cemetery's historical significance is further highlighted by its proximity to the Barton Heights Cemeteries and Hebrew Cemetery. Today, the Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground stands as a testament to the city's African American history and the struggles and resilience of its black community.
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