Original African American Cemetery Marker

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Lexington, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Original African American Cemetery

By Kathy Walker, October 19, 2009

1. Original African American Cemetery Marker

Inscription. Near the intersection of Washington and Lewis Streets stood the original burial ground for Lexington's substantial free black community and slaves dating to the early 1800's. The majority of the original burials were in unmarked graves and no records were maintained of these burials. The Town of Lexington obtained ownership of the cemetery in 1876 and closed itin 1880 and the persons buried there were purportedly moved to the Evergreen Cemetery, although there is little information to document the extent of reburials. In 1946 the Town Lexington subdivided the old cemetery and houses were built over the burial ground.

Erected 2008 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number I 22-a.)

Location. 37° 46.297′ N, 79° 26.623′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Virginia. Marker is on North Lee Highway (U.S. 11) 0.3 miles north of South Main Street, on the right when traveling south. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lexington VA 24450, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, as the crow flies. William Henry Ruffner (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lexington (approx. 0.9 miles away); Rockaway (approx. 0.9 miles away); Jackson's Garden (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Stonewall Jackson House (approx. 0.9 miles away); Lt. Gen. Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson 1824-1863 (approx. 0.9 miles away); Washington and Lee University (approx. 1.1 miles away); Falling Spring Presbyterian Church (approx. 6.3 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Lexington.