Historical marker honors African American cemetery in Lexington
LEXINGTON, Va. (WFXR) — The intersection of Washington and Lewis Street once stood as the original burial ground for Lexington’s Black community. Now, a historical marker stands tall in its place symbolizing the history of the area.
On April 18, the community gathered to unveil the Original African American Cemetery marker. The cemetery was the resting place for Lexington’s free Black community and slaves dating back to the early 1800s.
In 1876, Lexington obtained ownership of the cemetery and closed it four years later. Remains from the cemetery were reportedly exhumed and then relocated to the Evergreen Cemetary.
Congolese Ambassador to visit Lynchburg for 3rd annual ‘We Remember Ota Benga’ memorial
However, most of the graves were unmarked and there is little documentation confirming whether the remains were ever moved to the Evergreen Cemetery.
In 1880, the Evergreen Cemetery began holding funerals. The cemetery, traditionally considered the Black cemetery in Lexington, covers about 5.5 acres and is maintained by the city.
In 1946, Lexington subdivided the Original African American Cemetery and houses were built over the site.
The Original African American Cemetery marker joins over 300 historic locations along Virginia’s Black Heritage Trail. The trail highlights a variety of historical roadside markers with some of the best local attractions in the Commonwealth.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
