People's Memorial Cemetery Explained

People's Memorial Cemetery
Designated Other1:Virginia Landmarks Register
Designated Other1 Date:December 5, 2007[1]
Designated Other1 Number:123-5031-0001
Designated Other1 Num Position:bottom
Location:334 S. Crater Rd., Petersburg, Virginia
Coordinates:37.225°N -77.3889°W
Added:March 28, 2008
Mpsub:African-American Cemeteries in Petersburg, Virginia MPS
Refnum:08000245

People's Memorial Cemetery, formerly known as Providence Cemetery, is a historic African-American cemetery located at Petersburg, Virginia. The cemetery was deeded in three sections: the first tract in 1840, the second tract was added in 1865, and the final acres were deeded about 1880. The cemetery reflects the organization of "free persons of color" and is evidence of the evolution of the entrepreneurial efforts of African-American undertakers and stonecutters; the activities of mutual aid societies; and the community's social, religious, and artistic values from 1840 to 1942.[2]

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

The cemetery is located adjacent to the Blandford Cemetery and portions of the grounds were part of the Negro Burying Ground, a cemetery for slaves that died during the War of 1812.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Virginia Landmarks Register. Virginia Department of Historic Resources. 19 March 2013.
  2. Web site: National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: People's Memorial Cemetery. Anna Klemm . June 2007. Virginia Department of Historic Resources. and Accompanying two photos
  3. Web site: Kneebone. John T.. Thomas Henry Brown (1864–1952). Encyclopedia Virginia. 10 August 2015.