City of Norfolk Cemeteries , Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
West Point Cemetery
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, July 1, 2018
1. West Point Cemetery Marker.
This historically African American burial place, first known as Potter’s Field, was established as Calvary Cemetery in 1873 and renamed West Point Cemetery in 1885. James E. Fuller, Norfolk’s first African American councilman, secured a section for the burial of black Union Civil War veterans in 1886. Nearly 60 soldiers and sailors were interred there. Fuller led efforts to mark the site with a monument, completed in 1920, that honors African Americans who served in the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. At its top is a statue of Sgt. William H. Carney, Norfolk native and the first black Medal of Honor recipient. West Point Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Erected 2017 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number KV-25.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, Spanish-American • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location.
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, July 1, 2018
2. West Point Cemetery marker, facing west along E. Princess Anne Road.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named West Point Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); West Point Monument (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); West Point Monument at Elmwood Cemetery (about 400 feet away); Fort Tar (about 800 feet away); Elmwood Cemetery (about 800 feet away); a different marker also named Elmwood Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Cedar Grove Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Ella J. Baker (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. A photo of the West Point Monument and more detail information are provided.
Also see . . .
1. West Point Cemetery - City of Norfolk, Virginia - Official Website. (Submitted on July 2, 2018, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia.)
2. Virginia Landmark Register. (Submitted on July 2, 2018, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia.)
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, July 1, 2018
3. West Point Cemetery marker, facing east.
Pictured right is the West Point Cemetery marker, erected by the City of Norfolk.
Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, July 1, 2018
4. West Point Cemetery sign.
The red brick wall (right background) initially served to separate the burial grounds of West Point from Elmwood Cemetery.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2018, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia. This page has been viewed 275 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 2, 2018, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
