Lexington, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Original African American Cemetery
Photographed By Kathy Walker, October 19, 2009
1. Original African American Cemetery Marker
Inscription.
Original African American Cemetery. . 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.
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. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lexington VA 24450, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,771 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on October 29, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. 2. submitted on August 21, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on October 29, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
