Colored Graveyard
Charles Town, Jefferson County, West Virginia, USA
On May 10, 1873, the Virginia Press reported:
"It is generally known that a lot has been set aside for the burial of colored people in the eastern end of town. But the lot is now full of graves, and has been filled for several years. For some time past it has been impossible to dig a grave without cutting down upon some old grave; and it is believed by all who have examined the lot, that there is not room for a single additional interment within its bounds. When this state of things was made known to the Mayor and Council, authority was given for graves to be dug in the alley which runs by the Burial Ground, and which is not used for public purposes; but with the necessary provision that all remains interred therein must be removed whenever the authorities desire to open the public alley. This contingency may arise at any time in the future. Moreover, this alley is narrow, and its length (for this use) limited to the breadth of the small lot now occupied as a cemetery–so that it will be but a short time before it is filled. The purchase of an additional lot is, therefore, a necessity staring the community in the face."
A historical marker was placed on the site in 2005 and reads: On December 16, 1836, Andrew Hunter and his wife Elizabeth sold this lot to the Trustees of the City of Charles Town and their successors in office forever, for the sum of fifty dollars. This lot was intended for and always be used as a potters field and burying place for coloured persons. The amount was raised and contributed out of proceeds of a fair held by the scholars of William M. Jones School."
On May 10, 1873, the Virginia Press reported:
"It is generally known that a lot has been set aside for the burial of colored people in the eastern end of town. But the lot is now full of graves, and has been filled for several years. For some time past it has been impossible to dig a grave without cutting down upon some old grave; and it is believed by all who have examined the lot, that there is not room for a single additional interment within its bounds. When this state of things was made known to the Mayor and Council, authority was given for graves to be dug in the alley which runs by the Burial Ground, and which is not used for public purposes; but with the necessary provision that all remains interred therein must be removed whenever the authorities desire to open the public alley. This contingency may arise at any time in the future. Moreover, this alley is narrow, and its length (for this use) limited to the breadth of the small lot now occupied as a cemetery–so that it will be but a short time before it is filled. The purchase of an additional lot is, therefore, a necessity staring the community in the face."
A historical marker was placed on the site in 2005 and reads: On December 16, 1836, Andrew Hunter and his wife Elizabeth sold this lot to the Trustees of the City of Charles Town and their successors in office forever, for the sum of fifty dollars. This lot was intended for and always be used as a potters field and burying place for coloured persons. The amount was raised and contributed out of proceeds of a fair held by the scholars of William M. Jones School."
Nearby cemeteries
Charles Town, Jefferson County, West Virginia, USA
- Total memorials1k+
- Percent photographed96%
- Percent with GPS4%
Charles Town, Jefferson County, West Virginia, USA
- Total memorials10k+
- Percent photographed89%
- Percent with GPS7%
Charles Town, Jefferson County, West Virginia, USA
- Total memorials2
- Percent photographed0%
Charles Town, Jefferson County, West Virginia, USA
- Total memorials161
- Percent photographed34%
- Percent with GPS6%
- Added: 20 Nov 2022
- Find a Grave Cemetery ID: 2765510
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