Gravestones at the Avoca African-American 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
2005 after the rich vegetation subsides.
