The City has a moral obligation to address the issues and history at Ft. Ward. I put $225,00 in my budget proposal to start work on that. It does not address everything, but it is a good down payment. Alexandrians understand how important it is to respect our history and natural resources. The families that have been waiting for resolution deserve to get it. -- Councilman Rob Krupicka
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Partner with NVRPA to Improve the Management of Fort Ward: Councilman Justin Wilson
Partner with NVRPA to Improve the Management of Fort Ward: Councilman Justin Wilson
“You had mentioned some questions about Fort Ward. As you recall, we worked together during my Council tenure in moving forward on recognition of the history of Fort Ward Park. I was strongly supportive of the funding necessary to commence the planning efforts, and hope we can continue those efforts.
Since I left Council, I was appointed as one of Alexandria's
representatives on the Board of Directors of Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority--which perserves and maintains thousands of acres of open space throughout the region. I would like to look at ways we can possibly partner with NVRPA to improve the management of Fort War in the future”.
April 4, 2012 memo from Justin Wilson to J. Glenn Eugster about Fort Ward Park.
Fort Ward’s Lost Graves: Who Speaks for the Dead? Dennis Carroll
Fort Ward’s Lost Graves: Who Speaks for the Dead?
“The central point seems to me to be the City's default on historical responsibility, as shown in the terrible callousness of converting an African-American gravesite into a maintenance yard and covering graves with mulch or paving material. It's quite simply an act of desecration. Judith Smith's testimony at the last hearing, when she spoke of being "heartbroken" by seeing the destruction of the grave sites of her relatives where she used to play as a child, was very powerful. I'd like to find a temperate way to make the point that the best way to undo the desecration is for the City to develop a clear-headed, action-oriented, and adequately funded plan for treating the site with the respect befitting a cemetery and African-American history”.
Memo from Dennis Carroll, a homeowner who lives adjacent to Fort Ward Park, to J. Glenn Eugster. March 23, 2009.
Fort Ward Gravel: J. Glenn Eugster
Fort Ward Gravel
On August 13, 2014 at the Fort Ward Park and Museum Advisory Group Meeting there was considerable discussion about the CIty of Alexandria’s proposal to reduce water runoff from parkland into the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. The discussions, which turned to debate, revolved around whether: 1) placing a soil and rock berm, or mound, on top of know graves was a respectful thing to do; 2) the proposed solution would work given the illegal fill that was placed on the parkland which slopes downward toward the cemetery.
Some believe that the gravel fill that the city added to the maintenance yard creates a pervious layer that allows runoff to continue to flow slightly below the soil layer and into the church cemetery. Although some other debated the point, City of Alexandria Archaeologist Francine Bromberg provided a attached which confirms the illegal fill and the gravel layer adjacent to, and above, the cemetery.
Moving Ahead with the Fort Ward Park Stormwater Berm: J. Lance Mallamo
“Within the next week or two The Office of Historic Alexandria will begin the archaeology along the fence line between Oakland Baptist Cemetery and Fort Ward Park to determine whether undiscovered graves may be impacted by the proposed berm designed to bring permanent drainage improvements to the site”.
Memo from J. Lance Mallamo, Director, Office of Historic Alexandria to Laura Durham, Alexandria Recreation Department. Thursday, September 25, 2014
Status Update Fort Ward Documentary Study and Archeological Investigation Fort Ward Historical Park Alexandria, Virginia December 8, 2010
Status Update
Fort Ward Documentary Study and Archeological Investigation
Fort Ward Historical Park
Alexandria, Virginia
December 8, 2010
For the past few weeks archeologists from The Ottery Group have been conducting archeological field investigations at Fort Ward. Investigations are focused on the maintenance yard area, including a small area adjacent to the Oakland Cemetery, and in the location of the Short’s family home lot, just north of the cemetery. Investigations are focused on locating evidence of unmarked graveshafts and on the identification of historical features associated with former buildings and other landuse activities, including a search for artifacts or other archeological evidence dating to military activities during the Civil War. Fieldwork has involved a combination of field methods including hand-excavated shovel test pits, excavation units, mechanically-excavated trenches, and metal detecting.
To date, these methods have proven successful in confirming that unmarked graves do exist in the adjacent grassy area on the south side of the Oakland Cemetery. We have located 7 unmarked graves in this grassy area, and have confirmed that the headstone for Mrs. Fitzhugh is directly associated with a burial, and that the headstone marking Clara Adams’ grave is, in fact, marking two burials, likely those of Mrs. Adam’s and presumably her husband who, was laid to rest roughly 2 feet north of Clara’s grave.
In addition to confirming the presence of 10 graves, with more expected as fieldwork continues, the archeological work has revealed historic archeological features associated with the Young’s property on the south end of the maintenance yard, and also with the school/church that was located on the western edge of the maintenance yard.
Metal detecting has also yielded evidence of Civil War-era military activities. A small quantity of isolated artifacts, such as Minnie balls, and a “US” cartridge box label have been recovered.
Work will continue through next week and will include excavations in the Jackson Cemetery to identify numerous unmarked graves believed to exist there, and a search for evidence of the Short’s family home. Field methods in these areas will include hand excavations in the Jackson Cemetery, and hand and mechanical excavations in the Short’s lot.
In general, we are excited about the developing results of this investigation and remain confident that this initial archeological investigation is providing strong evidence of the rich history that exists at Fort Ward. Further work at the site during this, and future investigations, will undoubtedly be useful in telling part of the story of both the domestic and military history of the Fort.
Initial Recommendations for Archaeology and History at Fort Ward Park January 2011 Pamela J. Cressey, City Archaeologist
Initial Recommendations for Archaeology and History at Fort Ward Park
January 2011
Pamela J. Cressey, City Archaeologist
Although the Stage 1 archaeological investigation by the Ottery Group has not been completed in the park, I am preparing these recommendations at the request of the Advisory Group for consideration in their final report. All discussion below is based upon incomplete information without sufficient analysis. However, some general statements can be made at this time.
1. Usefulness of Ground Penetrating Radar in Identification of Graves
Archaeological work to date indicates that Ground-penetrating Radar (GPR) has some use for identifying graves at Fort Ward Park. While some graves have been identified through this method, other graves have not. To date, there is not a 1:1 correlation between GPR signatures and actual graves. More will be known after the Old Graveyard and Jackson Cemetery investigations are completed, but GPR appears to have mixed results. Many GPR signatures have not been associated with graves, and in some cases, more graves have been identified in the ground than signatures predicted. There may be future use for GPR in helping to identify the extent of the graves/boundaries of these cemeteries, but ground-truthing would also be needed to be assured that all graves are identified in a given area.
2. Old Graveyard
Given that the investigation demonstrated that there are more graves in the Old Graveyard than headstones and that these headstones are deteriorating, it is important to have a protection plan in place Consideration should be given to conducting more archaeological work to determine the boundaries of the Old Graveyard and historical research to understand how these graves are associated with the contiguous Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery and whether individual or family names may be identified. The protection plan can include elements, such as, fencing around the Old Graveyard, interpretive signage, methods of conserving and protecting the historic markers, new markers to identify additional graves, memorial, etc.).
3. Maintenance Yard
Much of this area has been changed, and in the areas investigated, little remains of the historic soils. However, some artifacts and subsurface features, such as graves, trash pits, privies, wells, etc., could still be present in unexcavated areas particularly around the school/church/home and in the southern section. The investigation has located the graves of Clara and Robert Adams and revealed that her headstone had been resituated on newer fill soils but still aligned with a grave. No other graves were found, and no GPR signatures proved to be graves. However, only a limited part of the yard was investigated. Graves and other archaeological materials can still be present in untested areas. A small portion of the school/church/home foundation has been found. There may be more evidence in the western portion of this structure, but additional work is needed to make this determination. In some areas, of the yard deeper features may be present, such as the privy/trash pit discovered with early 20th century artifacts. Planning is needed to determine uses of the yard in the future, whether the fence should be removed, marking the other grave, memorials, etc. Any ground-disturbing work outside the investigated areas should have archaeological testing and monitoring built into the planning process of these projects.
4. Jackson Cemetery
The work has not been completed in this cemetery, however, some graves have already been identified. A protection plan is needed that can include: fencing, interpretive signage, markers for graves, erosion-control measures and additional research to identify individuals who may be buried here
5. Shorts Family Lot
Shovel test pits document that the lot does have some archaeological integrity and features may be found. The trenches called for as part of the investigation have not been conducted here yet. Recommendations await completion of the work.
6. General Recommendations
At this point in the process, the following needs for the preservation and interpretation of Fort Ward Park’s cultural resources can be outlined. The historical research should be conducted first. Completing the survey addressed in the second point is crucial to park planning and day-to-day management of ground-disturbing projects (tree planting, etc.) It should be noted that interpretive planning can be done throughout the following tasks and would greatly benefit the appreciation of African American history as well as the historic significance of the park as a whole. Public involvement should be a part of all these recommendations.
- Complete documentary research and report with context to provide understanding of the history of those living/working in what is now the park and the development of the park within the larger Seminary neighborhood and place within American History
- Archaeological Protection of Fort Ward Park: Conduct archaeological survey through shovel-testing across the rest of the park with the exception of the historic fort to identify areas with archaeological potential; Use metal-detection in selected areas across the park to find Civil War artifacts; Produce maps overlaying archaeological and metal-detection results on CAD & GIS-produced historic templates so that the archaeological information relates to families, buildings, landscape, roads, etc; Produce sensitivity maps of areas in the park which have archaeological/historical significance for park planning purposes; Prepare Protection Plan; Prepare recommendations for further archaeological study. .
- Cemeteries and Graves: Identify boundaries through investigation beyond identified graves to locate additional graves; Produce protection plans and consider marking all graves; Produce interpretive plans; Implement such plans. Use appropriate methods for identifying other graves in areas noted in additional historical research and oral history.
- Additional Archaeological Study: If there is interest in more information about the African American community, or others identified through survey measures, a research design can be prepared to more fully excavate the school/church/home area, features identified through this and future stages of archaeology, the Shorts Lot or other houses, outbuildings, etc.
- All ground-disturbing actions should be reviewed for potential impact throughout the park. However, no additional archaeological work is needed before planning for projects to improve drainage. But archaeological review during this process will identify necessary excavation and monitoring needs based upon engineering solutions. After archaeological survey across the park, it may be possible to identify areas in which ground-disturbing actions can occur without review. However, close staff coordination will provide efficient methods of preservation and park improvements.
- Continue to update the Cultural Resource Inventory and Protection plans as more information is acquired.
- Produce Interpretive Plan to include themes, messages, and methods using different mediums; Update plan with new information and community interests.
- Development and continuation of a public planning process for Descendent Family and community input on the above tasks.
Proposed Fort Ward Plan Holds No Guarantee: Chuck Ziegler
Proposed Fort Ward Plan Holds No Guarantee
“.... I understand that I will be making a presentation to the City Council concerning the Management Plan. I'll be saying pretty much what I said at the joint commissions meeting, but I will lay particular emphasis on the need for a follow-on group representing the various interests in Ft. Ward Park to ensure citizen involvement in the management of the park. We must remember that what we have produced is a plan, not legislation; there is, therefore, no guarantee going forward that any portion at all of the plan will necessarily be followed. In this, I am not judging intentions, but rather capabilities, and citizens would be wise to monitor closely the actions of City government. As well, the Management Plan posits a number of choices to be made (e.g., the narrative concerning historical interpretation at Ft. Ward), and citizen involvement is important there as well.”
Source: September 30, 2014 correspondence from Charles Ziegler, Chairman, to the members of the Ad Hoc Fort Ward Park and Museum Area Stakeholder Advisory Group
Fort Ward's Lost Graves: Missing Gravestones and Markers.
Fort Ward & Seminary
African American Descendants Society
3413 Woods Avenue, Alexandria,Va.22302
January 29, 2015
Pamela J. Cressey Ph.D., RPACity of Alexandria, Virginia
Office of Historic Alexandria/Alexandria Archaeology
Torpedo Factory Art Center #327
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria VA 22314
Dear Pam/ Ms. Cressey,
Thank you for your note of July 17, 2012 regarding Fort Ward's Lost Graves: Missing Gravestones and Markers. As indicated earlier we had to discuss your request with the members of the Ft. Ward and Seminary African American Descendants Society, Inc. before being able to respond further.We believe that these individuals should be interviewed before any further decisions are made about Fort Ward Park. The members of the Society continue to believe that the City will be more effective in collecting information if we work together. We would be happy to meet with you and Mr. Mallamo to discuss the list and how we can work together.
Laverne Coleman
Robert Clark
Wanda Dowell
Jean Frederico
Ralph Hall
John Healy
Herman Lewis
Lance Mallamo
Wally Owen
Moses Simmons
Steve Tompkins
J. Glenn Eugster
Fort Ward & Seminary African American Descendants Society, Inc.
Fort Ward’s Lost Graves: Who Knew? Who Knows?
Fort Ward’s Lost Graves: Who Knew? Who Knows?
The City of Alexandria’s Council approved a process to develop a management plan for Fort Ward Historic Park in 2011. This action was taken in response to the recommendations of an advisory group appointed by the City to look at various problems, issues and matters of concern that had been brought to their attention by residents of the City of Alexandria, VA. The first report used input from a series of public meetings that the city held in 2009. At that time a large number of participants indicated the need to find African American graves and burial areas within the park. Many residents of the community that lived on the land before it became a park were buried in family graveyards.
Council took action on the initial recommendations and called for the advisory group to continue while providing three city agencies with funds to prepare a management plan and, on a short-term basis, address the search for graves as well as to better manage water running off of parkland into the adjacent Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery.
The discussions about the unidentified graves in Fort Ward Historic Park have gone on for more than five years. City officials have resisted most of the efforts made by the descendants of the Fort Ward community to help locate graves, family burial areas, gravestones and markers beyond those known burial areas in the park. Comments made by city employees publicly and privately have created a dialogue that has been illusive at best and adversarial at worst. Some of the comments that city managers and staff have made include:
The people who lived in the Fort Ward community were squatters.........
We didn’t know there were graves in the park.......
We began looking for graves in 2009 when community interest surfaced........
If there were graves they were moved........
We don’t remember where the graves were moved to..........
We didn’t think people cared about the graves......
No one remembers were the graves and grave markers were.........
The gravestones probably were discarded at the landfill.........
We couldn’t find the city correspondence related to family graves.........
City staff didn’t move the grave markers or cover grave areas........
We will remove the gravel that was placed on top of areas where graves are likely to help with the search......
We won’t remove the gravel that was placed on top of areas where graves are likely.....
We didn’t budget funds for looking for graves.........
We need factual evidence..........
Some of the descendants we interviewed are older and their memories are fuzzy..........
We have brought closure for the families of those buried in the park........
We are professionals and have done our work to the best of our abilities.......
The Oakland Baptist Church Old Grave Yard is to be managed as a sacred area........
As a result the draft management plan, which will be presented to City Council on December 9, 2014, contains little new information about unmarked graves and burial areas within the park. Although staff of the Office of Historic Alexandria has done considerable archaeology work in and around the three known grave areas within the park--Old Oakland Baptist Church Grave Yard, Clara and Robert Adams burial area, and the Jackson Family Cemetery, city leaders have resisted efforts to identify additional graves and burial areas. For example, more than 1,100 test-pits were dug by city staff to search for historical artifacts while the city managers of this work admitted “we weren’t looking for graves”.
Fort Ward, the community and the historic park, is a complex place. Although created as a historic park and designated by the City of Alexandria, Commonwealth of Virginia and the U.S Department of the Interior on to the National Register of Historic Places, many city leaders view the park as a recreation area. Past and recent decisions at the park also reflect expressions of latent racism toward those who lived on the land, as well descendant family members. The lack of respect for past and current city residents has grown into a deep lack of trust in city leaders. For example, despite City Council’s commitment to “Civic Engagement” and the preparation of a draft park management plan, city leaders continue to take actions at Fort Ward without meaningful input from the community. A history report on the Fort Ward African American Community was prepared without the input of the descendants until they complained to the Mayor. Plans to build a earth-berm to better manage water runoff from parkland are being implemented within known and likely burial areas despite repeated concerns voiced by the descendants, Seminary Civic Association and Oakland Baptist Church leaders.
Most recently Lance Mallamo, Director of the Office of Historic Alexandria (OHA) has taken several actions which further erode trust in his office and the city in general. For example, when the Fort Ward effort began there was considerable discussion about city staff working with descendant family members to compile information for the plan. He continually resisted working cooperatively with the Fort Ward and Seminary African American Descendants Society, Inc., a group established for the purpose of assisting the city’s efforts at Fort Ward Historic Park. Over time he diminished the value of conducting oral history interviews with descendant family members telling the Mayor, City Manager and others that the elderly descendants with first-hand knowledge of the park have “fuzzy memories” that couldn’t be trusted.
In September 16, 2014 Mr. Mallamo sent a written message explaining the status of his office’s efforts to interview city staff to learn more about the location of graves, family burial areas and grave markers. Interestingly his note came over a month after the Fort Ward Park and Museum Advisory Group voted to approve the draft management plan and send it to City Council for consideration and approval, or other action. He wrote,
“So far we’ve received approval from only one person on the city employee list for a taped interview, Wanda Dowell, former director of Fort Ward Museum, and that interview was completed in November 2013. That tape is in the process of being transcribed and once that is done, a first draft will be submitted to Ms. Dowell for her review and requested edits. Once the final draft is prepared it will await a further review and approval of the speaker before it is posted to OHA’s website. This is a time consuming process, and I would not expect it to be complete until the winter months of 2015 at the earliest. Our next interview is planned with Jean Federico though a firm date has not yet been set.
Having personally spoken to several people I recall from the list, including Ms. Dowell, Ms. Jean Federico, Ms. Susan Cumbey, Mr. Wally Owen, Mr. Steve Tompkins, as well as myself, I can confirm that all of these persons have indicated that they have no direct knowledge or insight of graves or burial areas at Fort Ward Park, other than those still marked by a gravestone or recently surveyed by OHA”.
Mr. Mallamo’s message is troubling for a number of reasons. First, it reflects no sense of urgency in completing research work that was to be included, and used, in the draft park management plan. Second, it indicates that no one from the city knew, or knows, about Fort Ward’s graves and burial areas--or cares to share what they know. Third, it contradicts factual research that was collected from public files and and interviews, provided to OHA, which indicates that a number of past and current city employees knew, or know, of graves, grave markers and burial areas.
Finally, despite the recommendations of Dr. Pamela Cressey, then the City Archaeologist, OHA made no effort during the management planning period to interview other descendant family members with first-hand knowledge of these areas. More than trying to work with people that could help the city develop a better management plan, Mr. Mallamo seemed content to avoid any information that would lead to the location of additional graves and burial areas. In fact, city officials based their search for lost graves on those areas where graveyards had been identified by the city more than five decades ago.
In addition to resisting collaborative input from knowledgeable African Americans Mr. Mallamo also resisted the use of cadaver dogs and, or, law enforcement officials, to find the bodies that remain in the park. In some ways, after initial archaeology work done by the Ottery Group indicated that there were many more graves to be found, Mr. Mallamo, either on his own or in concert with other city leaders, seems to have decided that he knew all that he wanted to know about burials in the park.
The draft management plan which goes to City Council on December 9, 2014 lacks information that is critical for decision-making at the park. The question of “Who knew? and Who knows?” about Fort Ward’s lost graves remains. Community research has revealed that many city government employees, consultants to the city, descendant family members, and others knew, or know, information about the graves. All of these individuals, given the opportunity to share what they know about these graves, grave stones and family burial areas, can help city officials locate those who are buried in the park. Only with this information will the draft management plan for Fort Ward be complete. Only with this information will conflicts between burial areas and future park development be avoided.
The individuals identified through public document research and interviews include, but is not limited to, the following persons.
The Fort Ward and Seminary African American Descendants Society
The Fort Ward and Seminary African American Descendants Society
The Fort Ward and Seminary
African American Descendants Society, Inc.
May 2011
As a result of 2010 discussions with the Fort Ward Park Advisory Group and History Work Group, and the Oakland Baptist Church, members of the Ft. Ward and Seminary African American descendant families decided to form a private corporation in Virginia to gather information to help the City of Alexandria and the Church with work in the park and the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. The purpose of the Society is to:
We describe, interpret, protect and celebrate the living legacy of African Americans who contributed to the defenses of Washington, D.C. at Fort Ward in an effort to win their own freedom which has led to a more perfect Union.
The primary goal is to share the history of African Americans in order to describe the role they played and the contributions they made during the Civil War at Fort Ward and in helping to create the Seminary community. African Americans were crucial to the war effort; and that the war is best understood not just as a military phenomenon, but as a social and political one as well.
The hope is to assist the public with researching and ultimately gaining pride in connecting with their ancestor's personal story and their fight to make America a better country through their service.
The Society members and partner organizations expect to conduct, perform, and undertake any of the following activities:
* To conduct oral histories involving families living near the historic Oakland Baptist Church and historic Fort Ward in Alexandria, Virginia.
* To conduct local research on the people and events that shaped the community near the Virginia Theological Seminary during and after the Civil War.
* To locate and ensure protection of artifacts and memorabilia used in exhibits.
* To produce and present, independently or in concert with the City of Alexandria, other organizations or individuals, pamphlets brochures and theatrical productions dramatizing the African American experience before, during and after the Civil War period.
* To assist the City of Alexandria in creating and implementing an interpretation plan for the Fort Ward Museum that recognizes the importance of African Americans before, during and after the Civil War.
* To assist the City of Alexandria in producing theatrical presentations that dramatizes the African American experience in a thoughtful and meaningful way.
* To solicit gifts and donations from private individuals, businesses, foundations, and governmental entities in support of one or more of the purposes or activities of the Corporation.
* To collect fees: from admission to performances, from lectures, and workshops; and to do these and all other legal things necessary to carry out and fulfill the stated purposes of the Corporation.
* To apply for designation on the National Register of Historic Places for the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery.
* To redesign and replace the gate and fence to the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery.
* To secure funds for a bench or benches for the cemetery and other family grave sites in Fort Ward Park.
* To secure private funds for a high school art project.
For Further Information: To learn more about the Ft. Ward and Seminary African American Descendants Society contact the following members of the Steering Committee, Post Office Box or Face Book Page.
Adrienne Washington, President
"awashdiva" awashdiva@aol.com;
Fran Terrell
"fterrell56" <fterrell56@msn.com>;
Joyce Sanchez
"raymondsanchez" <raymondsanchez@msn.com>;
Gerald. A. Wanzer
"gerald wanzer" <grldwanzer@yahoo.com>;
Lena Rainey
"Lena Rainey" <lenarainey@hotmail.com>;
J. Glenn Eugster
"glenn eugster" <glenn_eugster@comcast.net>
The Fort Ward and Seminary African American Descendants Society, Inc., P.O. Box 16014, Alexandria, Virginia 22302.
For more information: See the Facebook Page about The Ft. Ward and Seminary African American Descendants Society.
Welcome to a Facebook Page about The Ft. Ward and Seminary African American Descendants Society. Join Facebook to start connecting with The Ft. Ward and ...
www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ft-Ward.../132725506752080 - Cached
Remarks By Frances Colbert Terrell Before the Friends of Local History Collections Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Remarks By
Frances Colbert Terrell
Before the
Friends of Local History Collections
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Good Evening. I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the African American descendants of Ft Ward and the Seminary Community. First of all, let me say up front. I am not an orator. Since my retirement from the Federal Government 10 years ago, any remarks I’ve given have been infrequent, short and generally before the members of the Oakland Baptist Church. I’m really nervous so, please, bear with me.
I must say though that this is a really proud moment for us. For roughly two centuries the prevalent information, -- stories, photos, movies, TV shows-- exhibited and talked about have shown African Americans in the most negative and heinous of circumstances, as slaves, house negroes, raped, beaten, chased by dogs, hanged, picking cotton, and eating watermelon. And now thanks to a commemoration of the Civil War and the Union Military Base of Ft Ward, an opportunity has arisen to show them in a more positive light, with dignity and accomplishment. Who would have thought it!! We salute our ancestors, for had it not been for them and the Lord on our side, we would not be where we are today. Our research has shown that our descendants possibly lived in and around Ft Ward even before the Civil War. Certainly that they served in the War as United States Colored Troops in the Defenses of Washington, worked at the Episcopal High school which had been converted to a Hospital, were teamsters, ambulance drivers, loaded ships, trains, wagons, and played a major role in preserving the Union and ending slavery. In fact, it has been documented that there was an extensive presence of African American refugees in the area of the Fort and that African American men, women and children worked in support of the Union.
Then in 1865, the war ended. The Union Soldiers left. African Americans had gained their freedom. Now what? Coming out of a war; after enduring and suffering through centuries of slavery, through no fault of their own. We certainly did not ask to come to America. We certainly did not sneak across any borders to get here. A people who had never known independence in America, who did not get the promised 40 acres and a mule, were left to their own devices. What to do? Where to go? Where to live? Fort Ward had been abandoned, and to them, this was a refuge.
Through sheer strength of will, determination, fortitude, guts, and against all odds, they fashioned a life here at Ft Ward, an abandoned union fort; then out of necessity, developed an entire viable self sustaining community that’s still very much in existence today. It’s undergone many changes, but we’re still here.
Our ancestors, most of them coming from Fauquier County, first appeared in the U.S. Census as living at Fort Ward in 1870. They were Burr and his wife Harriett Shorts. Harriett was a widow and had several children. However, in June 1865, they had a daughter Clara Shorts (Adams) who lived at Ft Ward until 1952. Next door was Menokin, the home of Cassius F. Lee and his wife Ann Eliza Lee. Burney McKnight, Harriett’s daughter, is shown as living as a servant in the Cassius Lee household. Burr Shorts paid for a survey in 1879 for 10 acres of land at the Fort in 1879, obtaining a deed in 1884. The property was subsequently divided up between family members. Families residing at the Fort, which is what we called it, consisted of the Shorts, McKnights, Wanzers, Adams, Cravens, Thomas, Caseys, and Terrells. Families at the Fort established a school that later was converted to a church. This first school for African Americans in the area of the Seminary was in all likelihood established by the founders of the Oakland Baptist Mission. That church was later closed and became the home of the Young Family. From this core group at Fort Ward, and a few others in the area, the entire African American community of Seminary was developed. That Community extended from the 1000 block of N. Quaker and Johnson’s Lane, which was about 7 feet north of Bishop Lane, across from the locked gate of the Theological Seminary, back to roughly the Chinquapin area, crossing over to King Street where the Chinquapin Rec Center sits now; then cross over King to West Braddock Road where the Everly Wheatley Funeral Home is located, back to the King, Braddock and Quaker intersection. You’ll love this one. My grandfather, Douglas Johnson, originally from Fauquier County, purchased his one-acre of land at 1001 N. Quaker in 1923 from William Ashby (Ft Ward) for the outlandish price of Twelve Hundred – Fifty Dollars ($1250.00) and he had a 7 year mortgage. Try that now!!! In fact, some of my family still live on part of that property today. My cousin Carol Daniels lives at 1001, my grandfather’s house; I live at 1005, my uncle’s house; and my brother Fred Colbert lives in my parents house at 1009 N. Quaker.
The historic Oakland Baptist Church, was founded in 1888 as the Oak Hill Baptist Mission in Fairfax. After acquiring land in 1891, it moved to its current location at 3408 King St, City of Alexandria, in 1895. Its founders were Clara Adams, William Terrell, J.W. Casey, William Carpenter, Brook Johnson, Maggie Hall, Harriett Shorts, Nancy Shepherd, Daniel Simms and Smith Wanzer. These latter two gentlemen being my great grandfather and great uncle. And of course, the church’s cemetery was and is located at Ft Ward on property originally owned by Burr and Harriett Shorts and conveyed to the Church by Clara Adams in 1944.
The first AA school in the City of Alexandria, located where TC Williams sits now, includes 2 acres of land conveyed by a former slave, Douglas Wood, Sr. in 1927, for the purpose of building a “colored” school called simply the Seminary School. Douglas Wood was one of the AA families that settled in Seminary in the 1870s and 1880s. The families worked primarily at the Theological Seminary and Episcopal High School as gardeners, carpenters, cooks, laundresses, and maids.
In the late 1950’s - early 60’s, the City moved the residents out of Ft Ward to establish the Park & Museum, which disrupted the tranquility of those residents at Ft Ward and again in 1962, the City displaced our community once again to build TC Williams High School. But, we’re still here.
Enough history, this is what we would like to see at the Fort – inclusion of our history at the Park, signage perhaps indicating where the residents of Ft Ward lived and where the school/church was located. We’ve discussed a model of the community that resided there strategically located, photos in the museum of an African American presence during the war, USCTs, or even as laborers, the Oakland Baptist Cemetery properly respected, and AA actors participating in the Civil War re-enactment each year.
We appreciate the efforts and support provided us by the City’s archeology staff, Office of Historic Alexandria, Parks and Recreation and Museum staff. Additionally, we appreciate the support of citizens from the local area, Dave Cavanaugh, Glenn Eugster and others for their dedication, support and faithfulness.
Thank you.
DRAFT Annotated Time-line of Fort Ward Park Water Problem Communications January 29, 2010
DRAFT Annotated Time-line of Fort Ward Park Water Problem Communications
January 29, 2010
Prepared by J. Glenn Eugster on behalf of the residents of Marlboro Estates and members of the Oakland Baptist Church
The following is a brief description of communications and activities related to water problems within and adjacent to Fort Ward Park. The noted correspondence is available on request.
1978 Marlboro Estates Section 3 Subdivision Approved by the City of Alexandria, VA.
1979 Fort Ward Park Master Plan, prepared by Transportation & Environment Department (T&E), notes ravine and need to rip-rap water course. City Council Meeting notes reference environmental degradation and the need for city action. This is one of the earliest acknowledgements of the park ravine being used for water flow/storm water management. City also allocates money for growing nursery stock and existing area is filled with new soil and a greenhouse built. The area where this activity is proposed to occur is shown as “Overflow Parking“ on the master plan. This proposal to changes uses within the park was done without a Special Use Permit.
2002 +/- Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities Department (RPCA) paves area adjacent to cemetery and Marlboro Estates with aggregate stone and intensifies the uses of the area to include district maintenance vehicle storage, solid waste transfer station, storage of mulch, wood, stone, debris, and soil. The area is used regularly by large park and solid waste vehicles, as well as private vehicles dumping trash during off-hour. No Special Use, soil erosion and sedimentation, solid waste, storm water management, or archaeological permit is secured for these uses/ activities.
January 3, 2006 and June 26, 2006 Margaret McCormick wrote to the Director of RPCA about the sewer behind her house backing up and causing a torrent of water to sweep into her yard. The rapid water knocked down the entire back corner of her fence. After that the city cleared the sewer out to Van Dorn St. and the problem was much better. If the openings to the sewer are clogged by logs, branches and leaves all the water sweeps into her yard during a heavy rain.
April 1, 2008 Note from Roger Blakely of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RP&CA) regarding City’s re-grading work along the drainage swale that follows the property line between Marlboro Estates and Fort Ward Park maintenance yard. The grading was intended to screen garbage dumpsters, maintenance equipment, and materials from nearby homes.
September 2008 Meeting between residents and Council Member Del Pepper. Includes discussions between Margaret McCormick and Ms. Pepper about the ravine flooding and her property. Margaret was referred to T&E for help.
October 16, 2008 Facilities Plan for Fort Ward Park posted on Alexandria website by RP&CA without public review and comments. Plan includes proposals, which were submitted for funding, to increase the paved parking areas and add large picnic pavilions.
December 13, 2008 remarks made to Mayor and City Council at a Public Council Meeting by Glenn Eugster. “City park managers have ignored, resisted and actively worked against residents who have expressed concerns about garbage, flooding, noise, crime, soil erosion and cultural resource degradation“.
March 17, 2009 At the request of the homeowners’ two city inspectors from Transportation & Environment (T&E) came to the residence of Dennis and Lynn Carroll to look at flooding problems along the rear of their property. The inspectors said that nothing on the park side is contributing to drainage problems on the Carroll’s property.
May 10, 2009 Note to Mr. Daly of T&E about storm water issues related to non-permitted changes the city made to the maintenance yard at Fort Ward Park.
May 10, 2009 note from Arnold Ambers of the Oakland Baptist Church regarding family concerns about storm water damage from city property to the graves within the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery.
May 13, 2009 Alexandria Storm Water Public Outreach Meeting held at T.C. Williams H.S. Detailed comments, discussion and photographs presented to T&E employees and consultants about the storm water problems in Fort Ward Park, Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery, and Marlboro Estate homes.
May 15, 2009 Storm water comments from the Storm water Outreach Meeting forwarded to Lance Mallamo of the Office of Historic Alexandria (OHA) and Rich Baier of T&E who was Acting Director of RP&CA.
May 22, 2009 Formal comments on storm water problems sent to Mr. Daly of T&E, with copies to Lance Mallamo of OHA and Rich Baier of RP&CA/ T7E.
June 3, 2009 Note from Glenn Eugster to Lance Mallamo of OHA, Laura Durham of RP&CA, and Rich Baier of RP&CA/T&E about free storm water management training from the Center for Watershed Protection.
June 3, 2009 Note to Jesse Maine of ??? with storm water comments, concerns and a request for assistance.
June 26, 2009 Note to Rich Baier of RP&CA and Lance Mallamo of OHA indicating that the runoff from the City's maintenance yard is continuing to damage graves in the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. I noted that I spoke with both on April 30, 2009 about some short-term solutions, and participated in City Storm Water Outreach and Friends of Fort Ward Park meetings where I raised this problem with your staff again. I asked if any action would be taken to improve the management of runoff on this property. I offered a good collection of recent photos that show how the problem has gotten worse since April if there was a need for more documentation.
June 26, 2009 Follow-up note to Rich Baier of T&E advising him that the Oakland Baptist Church will want to know what the City's plan is for stopping the storm water damage to the graves and gravestones that the City's property is causing. The hay bales you promise next month are certainly a short-term first step.
June 26, 2009 Note to Mark Jinks, Deputy City Manager indicating that we have been
trying to get the City to address the ongoing problem with storm water flows from the maintenance yard into the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. As the rains have continued this year runoff from the City has caused erosion of headstones and the subsidence of graves.
I also indicated that it appears that the maintenance nursery/ area does not have a Special Use Permit (SUP). Also this area does not appear to have a storm water or soil and erosion permit. These permits seem to be required by the City and are intended to avoid the type of damage that is being caused now.
trying to get the City to address the ongoing problem with storm water flows from the maintenance yard into the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. As the rains have continued this year runoff from the City has caused erosion of headstones and the subsidence of graves.
I also indicated that it appears that the maintenance nursery/ area does not have a Special Use Permit (SUP). Also this area does not appear to have a storm water or soil and erosion permit. These permits seem to be required by the City and are intended to avoid the type of damage that is being caused now.
June 26, 2009 Note from Rich Baier of RP&CA/T&E indicating that hay bales will be placed along the up-slope of the cemetery boundary next month.
June 26, 2009 Note from Mark Jinks, Deputy City Manager, about the hay bales being a good temporary solution to the storm water problems. He indicated that, “It is my understanding that there are many uses in the City that predate the implementation of a the use permit system and since the maintenance yard has been in place for some time it likely predates the SUP process, I suspect that is why there is no special use permit on file. I would suspect that this is also the case with any storm water management plan as well, as those plans are a more recent City
requirement. That said, it said this does not mean that the City should have carte blanc to do what it wants on any property. Rather, it would seem the City should seek to follow a "best practice" or "good practice" model (to the degree that budgets allow). Either way a maintenance yard adjacent to a residential area (or even another business area) should not have been in the state it was in until recently when actions were taken to
clean it up“.
requirement. That said, it said this does not mean that the City should have carte blanc to do what it wants on any property. Rather, it would seem the City should seek to follow a "best practice" or "good practice" model (to the degree that budgets allow). Either way a maintenance yard adjacent to a residential area (or even another business area) should not have been in the state it was in until recently when actions were taken to
clean it up“.
July 2, 2009 Note to Rich Baier of RP&CA and Lance Mallamo of OHA indicating that the hay bales work was incomplete and city water runoff continues to damage the graves.
July 2, 2009 Note from Rich Baier of RP&CA/T&E indicating that the engineering section of T&E recommended the configuration.
July 17, 2009 Note to Lance Mallamo of OHA and Rich Baier of RP&CA/T&E requesting that the city complete the hay bale storm water management work. I offered to help the crew locate the missing bales. I also offered to complete the work myself.
July 17, 2009 Note from Rich Baier of RP&CA/T&E indicating that the maintenance yard alterations aren’t causing runoff. The runoff into the cemetery predates that maintenance yard. He is willing to meet to discuss the completion of the hay bale work.
July 21, 2009 Note to Mark Jinks, Deputy City Manager indicating that we are still hopeful that someone from the City will follow-up with the storm water problems before the next large rainfall. I indicated that we were hoping to hear from Rich Baier but my request may be caught in the Recreation Department
leadership change. The City started the work but hasn't gotten back to complete the task. I noted that we would be glad to complete the work for the City if someone will give us approval to do so.
leadership change. The City started the work but hasn't gotten back to complete the task. I noted that we would be glad to complete the work for the City if someone will give us approval to do so.
July 22, 2009 Note to Rich Baier of RP&CA/T&E agreeing to meet on August 6, 2009 to discuss storm water damage. I noted the correspondence from Roger Blakely of RP&CA about the regarding of the swale and how that has contributed to the storm water problems.
August 24, 2009 Note and photos to Rich Baier of RP&CA and Lance Mallamo of OHA about the storm water flows and the impact of the recent drainage work done at the Fort Ward Museum on those flows. Photos include pictures of the storm water flows from the Museum, and of the ravine and the pond.
August 24, 2009 Note from Margaret McCormick regarding the damage to her fence from storm drain back-up. Ms. McCormick indicates that this has been a problem for 4-5 years.
August 24, 2009 Meeting with Rich Baier of T&E; Lance Mallamo of OHA; Jim Spengler and Roger Blakely of RP&CA; Oakland Baptist Church members, Dave Cavanaugh from the Archaeology Commission to discuss storm water problems. Group discussed problems and viewed the cemetery and the two new maintenance yards closest to the graveyard. Group did not enter the maintenance/nursery yard and view other water problems because the gate was locked and city employees didn’t have a key.
August 24, 2009 Note from Rich Baer of T&E about what he saw during the site visit. He noted that:
1) Storm water flows were continuing along the last 30-50’ of city fence adjacent to the cemetery and perpendicular to Marlboro Estate residences. This runoff is coming from the maintenance yard, the properties of Eugster/ Weatherly and Fulton/ O‘Leary, and other up-lands closer to Braddock Road; 2) City re-grading of the drainage swale within the maintenance area was done to prevent overland flows from impacting the cemetery;
3) Erosion has been the result of runoff from homeowners within Marlboro Estates and from the Oakland Baptist Church’s efforts to place fill in eroded areas; and
4) The swale along the interface between park, OBCC and Marlboro Estate homes “appears to be absent, minor, if existing at all.”
No actions were proposed to be taken by the city and Mr. Baier noted my willingness to speak to homeowners about their contribution to storm water runoff. He also expressed concern about a dead tree within the cemetery and the danger that creates to the graves. He indicated he would help Jim Spengler with technical assistance but Jim would be the contact from now on.
August 24, 2009 Note from Roger Blakely of RP&CA indicating that RP&CA will complete the hay bale work along the park-cemetery fence.
August 25, 2009 Note to Rich Baier of T&E, Jim Spengler and Roger Blakely of RP&CA, and Lance Mallamo of OHA with comments on Rich’s note including:
1) disagreement with Baier’s statement about the purpose of the city’s re-grading along the property line;
2) need for the city and the homeowners to work together to solve the storm water problems;
3) questions about the multi-jurisdictional nature of the management of Fort Ward Park and the problems that this type of multi-objective management causes.
August 25, 2009 Note from Rich Baer of T&E indicating that he cannot speak to RP&CA’s intent.
August 25, 2009 Note from Jim Spengler of RP&CA indicating that he is the contact for all Fort Ward activities. He noted that he will marshal the staff and resources, and will not pass citizens off to other agencies. He also noted that he has other parks to care for.
September 22, 2009 Team of surveyors from T&E was surveying the topography in Fort Ward Park, around the cemetery and within the maintenance yard.
Mr. T.J. Kennedy, who works in T&E, said the survey group was taking measurements to prepare a topographic map to look closer at the water drainage problems that have been impacting the cemetery. Mr. Kennedy said he believes that “most of the water coming into the cemetery is from the City property and they will be looking at ways to channel the water away from the cemetery“.
????, 2009 Personal conversation with Geoff Lyon regarding the ravine pond near Margaret McCormick’s home. He expressed interest in writing a letter to the City Manager and asked for my assistance.
November 19, 2009 Letter to James Hartman, City Manager from Geoff Lyons regarding concerns about the de-facto beaver pond along the ravine in Fort Ward Park. He noted the stagnant water, possible mosquitoes, danger to children, and the city’s lack of attention to this matter.
December 3, 2009 Note from Jim Spengler of RP&CA regarding comments on Fort Ward Observer. Mr. Spengler wrote, “Your comment about the beaver dam, stagnant water and mosquitoes is way over the top. I walked the park myself and gave attention to this area. There is no standing or stagnant water much less danger from West Nile. Your were copied on my correspondence with Lt. Col. Lyon and know that he agreed with this assessment and suggested course of action. But you choose to still present this as an imminent danger not responded to by the city.
In your repeated comments about drainage in the park and the city's failure, you don't mention those homeowners from Marlboro Estates that continue to drain their roofs and yards into the park. Glenn you know that you did this with black drain pipe directly into the cemetery. If you wanted to give this subject fair treatment you would mention this outright.
December 7, 2009 Letter from Jim Spengler, RP&CA to Mayor and City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Rich Baier of T&E, Alexandria Health Department, past President of Seminary Hill Association, in reply to Geoff Lyon‘s letter to the City Manager. Mr. Spengler investigated “the alleged blockage” and public nuisance and concluded:
1. There was no standing water (when he visited the site);
2. The tree that city staff topped seems to be protecting the storm water inlet;
3. The longer-term issue is storm water drainage throughout the park;
4. T&E staff, Mr. Spengler and the Fort ward Park Manager inspected the area and agreed that: a) debris in front of the downed tree will be cleared; b) the tree trunk will be left in place; c) staff will check the area after storm events; d) this limited action will decrease the likelihood of additional erosion and the inlet structure being overwhelmed in flood events.
December 9, 2009 Note from Walter Powell of RP&CA indicating the blockage to the storm drain was cleared and the water flows very well.
December (before Christmas Day) 2009 City/ contractor pushes Fort Ward Park maintenance/ nursery yard mulch pile into drainage swale adjacent to Marlboro Estates homes (Carroll’s, Kling-Sullivan’s, Dilley’s residences) in an effort to “clean-up” maintenance/ nursery yard.
Overall: “A couple of thoughts: Since moving into our house in 1996, every time there is a significant thunder storm, we have a small stream form in our back yard that is coming from the maintenance yard. Water pools in the corner of yard next to the Kling’s. The indentation from where the water is coming from the maintenance yard is growing each year. From my perspective, the erosion problem is more wide spread then just the cemetery“. Thanks for gathering our comments.
After reading what Elizabeth Sullivan and Dennis Carroll wrote it is very obvious that we are at the beginning of a stream that begins in the maintenance yard and then feeds into the Kling’s and then into the Carroll’s yard“. – Thad Dilley 12/30/09
Overall: “I agree that something must be done about the "pond" in Ft. Ward, but frankly right now I'm more concerned about the "pond" in my backyard. Before the last few years, my yard was never "wet". Now, after Roger's efforts in the maintenance yard it contains standing water almost all the time, especially after rain or snow. I've had landscaper designers out and I will have to spend a good deal of money to landscape and install a rock bed to try and remedy this situation. I think removal of the excess debris piles near my fence will probably help but it seems they've somehow really changed the topography of that area. It's as if they've abandoned the maintenance yard never to return or to clean up their mess. The trash in and around the greenhouse, which you've nicely documented in photos, is appalling. The piles of debris should be eliminated because of rodents and drainage issues“.--Elizabeth Sullivan 12/10/09
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