The Enslaved Burial Ground

Within the orchard at Belle Grove, a fenced area is believed to be a burial ground for some of the men, women, and children enslaved by the Hite family. As was typical at many such graveyards, the graves are marked by simple uninscribed stones. Evidence for its use as a burial ground for enslaved people includes its location on high ground, in an area not used for agriculture, and within sight of the Hites' home, where gatherings could be kept under surveillance. Ground penetrating radar was used to study the site respectfully and detected fourteen potential grave shafts; the survey identified fourteen distinct burials, at least eight of them definitive, and suggested that more graves may be present than could be detected. Although no written burial records exist and it is not possible to identify who is buried there, Hite family records note numerous enslaved individuals who died while living at Belle Grove, from Juda, who died on February 12, 1793, to others recorded by first name, maternal connection, age, birth, or death. It is possible that the burial ground extends beyond the fenced area or that additional burial sites for enslaved people exist elsewhere on the property.

Virginia · United States