Centuries-old graves with remains of 144 enslaved people found on Rock Hill property
More than a hundred graves believed to contain the remains of enslaved people were found on a property in York County — and the owners plan to share the historic discovery during a presentation next month.
“The 144: Honoring the Lost Ancestors,” will honor those who are buried at the site and “explore the funerary traditions of enslaved Africans,” a news release from Nation Ford Land Trust said Wednesday.
Attendees will hear from keynote speaker, Corey D.B. Walker, director of Wake Forest University’s African American Studies.
About a year ago, a single grave was discovered on the private property south of Rock Hill, per the nonprofit’s release. The owners, Andrew and Mary Lazenby, also found a small number of field stones with initials carved on them.
The Lazenbys, with the help of archaeologists, mapped and determined the number of graves. They ultimately found 144 graves with dates between 1780-1865 that contained the remains of those believed to be enslaved on a nearby plantation, the release said.
“When I first learned that a few newly discovered gravesites had been uncovered, I knew immediately that something historic and significantly important was unfolding right before our eyes,” said Steve Hamilton, who heads the nonprofit. “I felt, as did the property owners, that this moment in time needed to be properly and respectfully documented, recorded and preserved for this and future generations.”
Their research also revealed the identity of the plantation associated with the graves. Archaeologists are still investigating the property and have yet to determine “a definitive name of the plantation,” a nonprofit spokesperson said.
The cemetery property is now protected by a conservation easement with Nation Ford Land Trust and will never be developed. Other preservation work the nonprofit has done in York County includes the Anne Springs Close Greenway and the Catawba Bend Preserve.
‘Honoring the Lost Ancestors’
The Nation Ford Land Trust will host the ceremony at the end of February. Attendees can visit the graveyard, and talk to the property owners and others who were involved in the project.
Those interested in attending the event can find more information on Nation Ford Land Trust’s website.
This story was originally published January 20, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
