Shockoe Hill Burying Ground Historic District

Richmond's Shockoe Hill Burying Ground Historic District offers a powerful, contemplative exploration of the city's complex history. This significant municipal almshouse–public hospital–cemetery complex emerged in the late 18th century, showcasing the city's early efforts to address public welfare, health, and burial needs. It stands as a profound testament to the evolving social and racial dynamics of Richmond through critical periods, including the New Republic, Antebellum era, Civil War, and Reconstruction, making it a crucial site for understanding American history.

Within its bounds, visitors can reflect upon the legacies held in the Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground, believed to be the largest burial ground for free and enslaved African Americans in the United States, where over 22,000 individuals were interred between 1816 and 1879. The district also encompasses the historic Shockoe Hill Cemetery, the final resting place for prominent white citizens like Chief Justice John Marshall and Union spy Elizabeth Van Lew, adorned with rich 19th-century funerary sculpture. Additionally, the Hebrew Cemetery, the South's oldest Jewish cemetery in continuous use, features unique funerary art and a special section dedicated to Jewish Confederate soldiers.

A visit to the Shockoe Hill Burying Ground Historic District is more than a walk through historic grounds; it is an immersive experience in American memory and reconciliation. It invites quiet contemplation, offering a poignant lens through which to view the foundational stories of Richmond and the nation, from the lives of the enslaved and free Black communities to celebrated civic leaders. The district's varied components collectively provide an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the past, reflect on historical injustices, and witness ongoing efforts to reclaim and honor neglected narratives. Turn your visit into a safari! Use the Snappit app to scan and log wildlife sightings here.