Upper Shockoe Valley in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Richmond's First Municipal African Cemetery
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 18, 2026
1. Richmond's First Municipal African Cemetery Marker
In 1799 the City of Richmond acquired land in this area for its first municipal burial ground for enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent. One of several town gallows was located here. Objecting to this and other indignities, including frequent flooding that disturbed burials, free Black Richmonders petitioned for a new cemetery.In 1816 the City opened the Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground a mile north of here. By 1957, Interstate 95 and parking lots covered much of the original cemetery. Beginning in the early 2000s, community activists led an ultimately successful camapaign to reclaim, protect, and memorialize the Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground.
Erected 2023 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-136.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1799.
Location. 37° 32.222′ N, 77° 25.643′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. 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, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gabriel's Uprising (within shouting distance of this marker); Gabriel Prosser Execution Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Richmond’s African Burial Ground (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lumpkin's Jail (about 400 feet away); Winfree Cottage (about 500 feet away); First African Baptist Church (about
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 18, 2026
2. Richmond's First Municipal African Cemetery Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Execution of Gabriel (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Old Negro Burial Ground (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Richmond's African Burial Ground (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Lumpkins Jail (was about 500 feet away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); The Slave Trade In Richmond (was about 500 feet away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 18, 2026
3. Nearby banner interpreting the history of the burial ground
Credits. This page was last revised on October 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 18, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
