CONTENT WARNING
Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation.
Context
Beginning in the 18th century, cemeteries in Richmond were racially segregated. Deceased residents of African descent were interred in the Burial Ground for Negroes (also known as the African Burial Ground) alongside the city’s Shockoe Creek. The burial ground was largely untended, prone to flooding, and adjacent to slaughterhouses. After Nat Turner's Rebellion in 1831, the General Assembly forbade enslaved and free Black Virginians from assembling in groups. Because they could not gather to perform burial ceremonies, free Black residents of Richmond protested in 1834 that “many coloured human beings are interred like brutes” in an unsuccessful petition for permission to gather for funerals if they obtained a license from a white minister.
In the 19th century, Black residents of Richmond sought to establish their own cemeteries in more favorable locations. Gilbert Hunt (ca. 1780–1863) and other free African Americans established the Union Burial Ground Society in 1846. The Society adopted this formal constitution in 1848. The members cited “a deep interest in the welfare of our race,” and announced that for $10 any free person could purchase a section of the cemetery “with a right to inter any person he may think proper.” The new burial ground was just north of Richmond, and is today part of Barton Heights Cemeteries.
Gilbert Hunt’s interest in this civic improvement for his community is characteristic. Trained as a blacksmith, he purchased his freedom in 1829, and for a brief time lived in the West African colony of Liberia. He soon returned to Richmond, however, and was well known and revered as an outspoken community leader and deacon of the First African Baptist Church. Hunt was also honored as a local hero for having saved numerous lives during two deadly fires, one at Christmas in 1811 at the Richmond Theatre and one in 1823 at the Virginia State Penitentiary.
Citation: Union Burial Ground Constitution, 1848, Accession 22514a, Organization Records Collection, Library of Virginia.
In the 19th century, Black residents of Richmond sought to establish their own cemeteries in more favorable locations. Gilbert Hunt (ca. 1780–1863) and other free African Americans established the Union Burial Ground Society in 1846. The Society adopted this formal constitution in 1848. The members cited “a deep interest in the welfare of our race,” and announced that for $10 any free person could purchase a section of the cemetery “with a right to inter any person he may think proper.” The new burial ground was just north of Richmond, and is today part of Barton Heights Cemeteries.
Gilbert Hunt’s interest in this civic improvement for his community is characteristic. Trained as a blacksmith, he purchased his freedom in 1829, and for a brief time lived in the West African colony of Liberia. He soon returned to Richmond, however, and was well known and revered as an outspoken community leader and deacon of the First African Baptist Church. Hunt was also honored as a local hero for having saved numerous lives during two deadly fires, one at Christmas in 1811 at the Richmond Theatre and one in 1823 at the Virginia State Penitentiary.
Citation: Union Burial Ground Constitution, 1848, Accession 22514a, Organization Records Collection, Library of Virginia.
Standards
VS.1, USI.1, VUS.1, VUS.6
Suggested Questions
Preview Activities
Look at it: The Union Burial Ground Society Constitution lists 16 rules, many of which detail bureaucratic procedures. How is rule VI different, and why might it have been important to this group?
Look at it: What is the significance of rule XIII?
Look at it: Who do you assume are the “strangers” mentioned in rule XV, and why would the Union Burial Ground Society Constitution include them?
Post Activity
Be the Journalist: You are a journalist preparing to interview Gilbert Hunt and other members of the Union Burial Ground Society. What are the three most important questions you would ask? Why are they important?
Look at it: The Union Burial Ground Society Constitution lists 16 rules, many of which detail bureaucratic procedures. How is rule VI different, and why might it have been important to this group?
Look at it: What is the significance of rule XIII?
Look at it: Who do you assume are the “strangers” mentioned in rule XV, and why would the Union Burial Ground Society Constitution include them?
Post Activity
Be the Journalist: You are a journalist preparing to interview Gilbert Hunt and other members of the Union Burial Ground Society. What are the three most important questions you would ask? Why are they important?