| Demolition -- Removal of Structures at Freedmen's Cemetery |
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May 2007
The City acquired the land which will comprise the Contraband and Freedmen's Cemetery Memorial in late April 2007. An office building and gas station on the property were quickly demolished. The demolition specifications called for the retention of all gas tanks, foundations, footings and asphalt in order to protect graves. The City archaeologists monitored demolition to ensure that no graves were disturbed and that no further desecration of graves occurred in areas that were disturbed from previous construction activities.
With demolition completed, a Re-dedication Ceremony is being held on May 12th to consecrate the land as a burial ground after 138 years of disregard and destruction.
