Why is the African Burial Ground important?

Since documents about slavery in the North during the 18th century are scarce, the African Burial Ground serves as an important reminder that slavery was prevalent in all the colonies. The 419 burials were reburied on October 4, 2003. Then, in 2006 the African Burial Ground was designated a National Historic Monument.

Why are burial ground important?

Cemeteries, churchyards and burial grounds are part of a network of green spaces in towns and cities called Green Infrastructure. They offer special places for quiet, reflection and contemplation; and like other green spaces have an important role in mitigating effects of climate change.

Where was the burial ground for enslaved people?

During the Jim Crow era, state and local officials were insensitive to disturbance of such sites during road construction or other development projects. At Mount Vernon, the burial ground for enslaved people was located on a ridge with minimal agricultural potential. A visitor to George Washington’s new tomb in 1833 reported:4

How many slaves are buried in Mount Vernon?

Between May 2014 and the fall of 2017, archaeologists excavated a total of 211 5 x 5 ft. test units in the Slave Cemetery, and discovered 63 burial features. When combined with the seven grave shafts found in the burial ground prior to 2014, a grand total of 70 graves have been located.

Which is an example of a hidden slave cemetery?

Avoca is a classic example of a slave cemetery hidden in relatively plain sight; out of the many trends Rainville has observed studying graveyards in Virginia, the burial site at Avoca has a lot of them. The area around the cemetery has been plowed but the area within the trees, where the gravestones sit, has not been.

Are there any hidden slave cemeteries in Virginia?

Courtesy of Avoca Museum Avoca is a classic example of a slave cemetery hidden in relatively plain sight; out of the many trends Rainville has observed studying graveyards in Virginia, the burial site at Avoca has a lot of them. The area around the cemetery has been plowed but the area within the trees, where the gravestones sit, has not been.