An African American Cemetery Reclaimed

An African American Cemetery Reclaimed. . , During the middle decades of the 19th century, many of Charles Town's African American residents came to rest at a cemetery on this plot of land, known informally at the time as the "Burial Ground." The Trustees of the City of Charles Town purchased the land in 1836, and over the four decades that followed, the cemetery filled to capacity. The people buried here included both enslaved and free individuals., The May 10, 1873, Virginia Press reported, "… authority was given for graves to be dug in the alley which runs by the Burial Ground, and which is not used for public purposes; but with the necessary provision that all remains interred therein must be removed whenever, the authorities desire to open the public alley." No records have been located that confirm any removal or reinterment of individuals occurred before the alley opened for public use., The African American community saved money, including coins, to purchase a lot to serve as their new cemetery. In 1875, the Fairview Cemetery Company was formed and established a cemetery southwest of the city limits on the "old" Berryville Pike. Amanda Talbot (Tolbert, 1845-1875) and baby girl Talbot (Tolbert), who both died from childbirth complications, were buried in the new Gibsontown Fairview Cemetery in February 1875., The site has been disturbed through the years, making the actual number of burials uncertain. In August 2023, the City contracted a ground-penetrating radar research study which identified and marked the location of 48 burials., In October of 2023, the Mayor commissioned a select committee to research and commemorate the Burial Ground's history. The committee's dedication and hard work has had a significant impact by restoring dignity and respect to the burial site and the individuals interred here., The stone dove markers indicate the locations of each of the 48 graves, partially shown in the aerial photo. The doves symbolize peace. They are placed at the center of each grave heading north to symbolize the ancestral flight north from slavery to freedom.