Saturday, December 28, 2013

Jackson Family Cemetery Cleaned and Roped-Off


Jackson Family Cemetery Cleaned and Roped-Off 
December 4, 2013

One of many family grave areas in Fort Ward Park is the Jackson Family burial area.  Located just outside of the fort walls, city archaeologists confirmed what public records have shown for years--the area has many burial sites.  Although city officials knew of the grave area the cemetery was always mowed and treated as recreation land rather than sacred ground.  At times the area has been either well-maintained or very neglected.

Recently in response to concerns of neglect expressed by Frances Colbert Terrell of the Fort Ward Park & Museum Advisory Group city officials took action to clean debris and rope-off the known graves.  

As the park’s management plan is completed, after review by the Advisory Group, the public and city officials, Jackson family descendants and others who love Fort Ward will get a better idea of what best practices the Recreation Department staff will use to maintain this, and other, historic areas at the park.

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