A Tale of Two Graveyards

Seminary Civic Association
1005 N. Quaker Lane
Alexandria, VA 22302
(703)379-9511

March 30, 2010

Editor
Alexandria Gazette Packet
Alexandria, VA 22302

Dear Sir:

I recently was made aware of, and obtained a copy of, your March 25, 2010 newspaper containing an article by Michael Lee Pope, entitled, “A Tale of Two Graveyards.” The article immediately caught my attention in that it pertained to two (2) historic sites that have particular significance, relevance and impact on the African Americans of Alexandria and throughout the country. The discovery, recognition and highlighting of both the Contraband and Freedman’s and Ft Ward cemeteries is long overdue and much appreciated.

I live in, and represent the African American community in Seminary, immediately to the left of Ft Ward Park. You might well imagine our disappointment and utter dismay when there was absolutely no mention of the African Americans of our community who after the Civil War, lived, worked, and were buried on that land before it was transformed into Fort Ward Park. Additionally, there was no mention of the historic Oakland Baptist Church whose cemetery is, and has been since early 1900’s, actually located in the Park. Some of the disturbances to the gravesites by the City are to the gravesites of family members at the church and community. We fail to understand how you could write about lost graves at Ft Ward and not mention this rich history.

I wanted to call your attention to how actions taken at the Ft Ward Park directly impact the lives of those of us in this community of Seminary, express our chagrin and concern over not being mentioned, and ensure that once again we won’t “represent a lost chapter of Alexandria’s history.”
Sincerely,


Frances C. Terrell
President