Fort Ward’s Lost Graves: Who speaks for the dead? Robert L. Madison

Fort Ward’s Lost Graves: Who speaks for the dead?

Robert L. Madison

“Accordingly, we are most concerned about the numerous unprotected marked and unmarked graves located on land owned by the City and within Fort Ward Park. 

“......the Alexandria Historical Society recommends the following actions regarding that portion of Fort Ward Park adjacent to the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery:

1. Immediately fence off that area of Fort Ward Park where grave markers now exist and where depressions in the soil suggest the existence of unmarked graves.
2. Using available in house resources at the Office of Historic Alexandria, conduct a preliminary historic site analysis. Conduct interviews with persons who may have family and other personal connections with the community that once existed on Fort Ward property.  Investigate City Archives, old newspapers, property records, and other sources for clues about that community”.

Letter from Robert L. Madison, Vice President, Alexandria Historical Society, Inc. to

Ms. Laura Durham, Open Space Coordinator, Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities on March 12, 2009