Shockoe Bottom in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Franklin Street Burying Grounds

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 6, 2010

1. Franklin Street Burying Grounds Marker

Inscription. Reconsecration
of the
Franklin Street
Burying Grounds

The first Jewish
Cemetery in Virginia
Founded 1791

Commemorating
the 300th anniversary
of the first permanent
Jewish settlement
in the United States

This memorial erected by
Congregation Beth Ahabah
Richmond, Virginia

Unveiling April 24, 1955

Rededication services
under auspices
Richmond Tercentenary Committee
of the
Richmond Jewish Community Council

Erected 1955 by Congregation Beth Ahabah.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is April 24, 1975.

Location. 37° 31.931′ N, 77° 25.466′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Shockoe Bottom. Marker is at the intersection of East Franklin Street and North 21st Street, on the right when traveling east on East Franklin Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23223, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. I Can/t Breathe (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Early Quakers in Richmond (about 500 feet away); The Oldest House (about 500

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feet away); Edgar Allan Poe Pedestal (about 500 feet away); Historic Shockoe Valley (about 500 feet away); Confederate General Hospital No. 12 (about 500 feet away); Francis Asbury (about 500 feet away); City of Richmond Bicentennial (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Regarding Franklin Street Burying Grounds. “…When this cemetery was deeded by Isaacs, Franklin Street was known as “Middle Street,” the city at that time being only three or four blocks wide. The rapid growth of the community led to the abandonment of the old cemetery about 1817, for the one located at the head of Fourth Street. When the use of the old cemetery was discontinued, several bodies were removed to the new. The stones remaining were laid flat and covered with earth. The ground formerly about four feet below the grade of the street was filled to its present level. Over thirty years a coal and wood dealer enjoyed squatter sovereignty on it, rent free. A bill-board stood in front of it, and carts, lumber and trash were stored therein. As early as 1856, members of the Congregation Beth Shalome

Inscription on the arch reads "First Jewish Cemetery in Virginia 1791" image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 6, 2010

2. Inscription on the arch reads "First Jewish Cemetery in Virginia 1791"

called attention to its bad condition. Shortly before his death, in 1908, Captain E. J. Levy, secretary of the Cemetery Board, offered a motion providing for the reclaiming of the ground and its taking over by that body. The work was taken up shortly after his death. Numerous private subscriptions enabled the erection of a solid concrete wall, a substantial iron railing on top, and a seven foot iron fence on the street front. On September 21, 1909, Rabbi E. N. Calisch, in the presence of a reverent audience, performed the ceremony of reconsecration.” The History of the Jews of Richmond from 1769 to 1917, Chapter XLVII. Herbert T. Ezekiel & Gaston Lichtenstein, Copyrighted 1917.

Also see . . . Congregation Beth Ahabah. (Submitted on October 21, 2010.)

The archway over the entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 10, 2023

3. The archway over the entrance

Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,169 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on November 11, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.