From a Burying Ground to a Park

Photographed By Kevin W., September 13, 2008

1. From a Burying Ground to a Park Marker

Inscription. In 1774, St. George’s Parish purchased the land around you for a cemetery. Following the American Revolution and disestablishment of the Anglican Church in Virginia, the Fredericksburg government appropriated this land for a public burying ground. The western lot line of the cemetery, marked by a brick wall, is visible to your right.

In 1875, the town council decided to convert the increasingly neglected grounds into a park and directed the removal of headstones and graves to other cemeterires. The new park opened July 12, 1881, named in honor of prominent local businessman John G. Hurkamp.

In 1860, St. George's Church had petitioned the Council to investigate its claim to the property, but the Civil War interrupted this process. The issue resurfaced in 1953, when the Rescue Squad sought to lease a portion of the park. By then, public usage over several generations had established legal ownership. Hurkamp Park remains public.

Erected by the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Colonial Era • Parks & Recreational Areas • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is July 12, 1864.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby.

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It was located near 38° 18.106′ N, 77° 27.776′ W. Marker was in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker was at the intersection of William Street and Prince Edward Street, on the right when traveling east on William Street. Markers are in the center of Hurkamp Park. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named From a Burying Ground to a Park (here, next to this marker); Fredericksburg Cemeteries and the Corporation Burying Ground (here, next to this marker); Fredericksburg Rescue Squad (within shouting distance of this marker); 1920 (within shouting distance of this marker); Fredericksburg Roll of Honor (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1850 (about 400 feet away); A Memorial Landscape (about 400 feet away); The James Monroe Law Office - Museum and Memorial Library (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.

More about this marker. On the left sidebar is the following quote:
“On motion made and seconded, resolved unanimously that the new burying ground be enclosed with brick….”
Council Minutes of July 6th, 1824
Robert Lewis, Mayor (buried in the Masonic Lodge Cemetery)

Caption of picture in upper right: In 1883, John Hurkamp donated
Photographed By Kevin W., September 13, 2008

2. From a Burying Ground to a Park Marker
Picture taken during the annual Memory Walk.
a cast iron gate bearing the name “Hurkamp Park” in raised letters. This circa 1900 photo shows this gate as well as the brick wall along the western edge of the park. The brick wall on the remaining three sides was removed in 1898. The metal gate is believed to have succumbed to a scrap metal drive during World War II.

Caption of picture in lower left: John Hurkamp resided at 406 Hanover Street, from 1862 until his death in 1886. This ornamental cast iron fence and gate, which is still standing at the above address, bears Hurkamp’s name. Both this fence and the park gate were designed by Benjamin Bowering and cast at the Hope Foundry of Fredericksburg.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Old & New Markers At This Location also titled "From a Burying Ground to a Park".

406 Hanover Street, showing the ornamental cast iron fence and gate still standing. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kevin W., September 15, 2007

3. 406 Hanover Street, showing the ornamental cast iron fence and gate still standing.

The remaining brick wall on the western side of the park. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, August 20, 2008

4. The remaining brick wall on the western side of the park.

Another view of the brick wall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kevin W., September 13, 2008

5. Another view of the brick wall

The Rescue Squad's building is on the left.

The modern center of Hurkamp Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, August 20, 2008

6. The modern center of Hurkamp Park

Two markers are near the fountain.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,381 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 13, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 3. submitted on September 24, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4. submitted on August 20, 2008, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on September 13, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 6. submitted on August 20, 2008, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia.