Archaeology Program at Sweet Briar College

Gravestones at the Avoca Slave Cemetery

There were 21 stones located in two distinct clusters (unfortunately removed to the edges of a small copse of trees many years ago). Many of these stones show evidence of carving and re-shaping. None contain inscriptions. At present it is impossible to say how many burials are associated with these stones. Some graves may have had head- and footstones (suggesting fewer than 21 individuals). Conversely, some graves may have been marked by impermanent memorials, such as plantings, wooden posts, or artifacts. Research is on-going to estimate the size of the enslaved and post-bellum African American community. There may well have been additional cemeteries located elsewhere on the plantation.

Work will commence on locating associated depressions (which would enable us to ascertain where the graves are located) in the Fall of 2004 after the rich vegetation subsides.

Gravestone 1 Gravestone 2 Gravestone 3 Gravestone 4 Gravestone 5
Gravestone 6 Gravestone 7 Gravestone 8 Gravestone 9 Gravestone 10
Gravestone 11 Gravestone 12 Gravestone 13 Gravestone 14 Gravestone 15
Gravestone 16 Gravestone 17 Gravestone 18 Gravestone 19 Gravestone 20
Gravestone 21