Charles Town in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
A Cemetery Disturbed
Photographed by Mark Parker, November 6, 2025
1. A Cemetery Disturbed Marker
As early as 1890, the city placed a water tower inside the Burial Ground. By 1913 there were two water towers on the burial site. The bare spots on which you stand are evidence that this activity disturbed gravesites. Eventually, major parts of the lot were parceled out for construction of houses. Some deeds for adjacent properties referenced the Burial Ground until the block was subdivided in 1922.
[Captions:]
1913 Sanborn Fire Insurance map (left) showing the location of the water tanks on the burial ground site.
Aerial photo with 1913 map overlay showing the placement of the early 20th century water tanks and the circular marks still visible where they once stood.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 39° 17.343′ N, 77° 51.27′ W. Marker is in Charles Town, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. It is on East Avis Street west of South Seminary Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 S Seminary St, Charles Town WV 25414, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in the Eastern Panhandle. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: An African American Cemetery Reclaimed (a few steps from this marker); African American Cemetery Monument (a few steps from this marker);
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. "Coloured" Grave Yard (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Mark Parker, November 6, 2025
2. Entrance to the African American Cemetery. A Cemetery Disturbed Marker to the right
Photographed by Mark Parker, November 6, 2025
3. African American Cemetery. Water tank located on the west side.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 30, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
