Southwest Quadrant in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial
Photographed by Richard E. Miller, September 8, 2014
1. Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial
The Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial is dedicated to honoring more than 1,700 people of African descent buried here during and following the Civil War, as well as those who may have been laid to rest after the cemetery officially closed.
Since the war, the cemetery has endured many desecrations and years of neglect. Through the efforts of an advocacy group, historians, archeologists, and City officials, this place again became sacred ground and now honors by name the individuals buried here and the legacy of freedom personified by their descendants.
By reclaiming this place, recalling a forgotten history, and protecting the graves that remain, the memorial ensures that we remember those who struggled for freedom and the contributions they made to our city.
Erected 2014 by City of Alexandria.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Military • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, The City of Alexandria series list.
Location. 38° 47.662′ N, 77° 2.959′ W. Memorial is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in the Southwest Quadrant. It is on South Washington
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Regionally, this memorial is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, 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: Graves (a few steps from this marker); Former USCT Burial Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); Graves Under South Washington Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Freedmens Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); First Catholic Church in Virginia (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); 1955 Gas Station (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of Ronald F. Kirby (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Additional keywords. "Freedmen's Cemetery"; "U.S. Colored Troops"; Alexandria National Cemetery
Photographed by Richard E. Miller, September 8, 2014
2. "The Path of Thorn and Roses" - new centerpiece sculpture by artist Mario Chiodo
Photographed by Richard E. Miller, September 8, 2014
3. Freedmen's Cemetery
Memorial dedicated 2014
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2014, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,203 times since then and 25 times this year. Last updated on September 18, 2014, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on September 14, 2014, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 2. submitted on September 18, 2014, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 3. submitted on September 14, 2014, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
