University of Richmond's Historical Exploration

Introduction

• The university is examining its past to align historical realities with current ideals.
• Richmond College was established in 1840; moved to current location in 1914.

West Hampton Amusement Park (Pre-1914)

• Originally occupied the land before the university's relocation.
• Built by a trolley company to boost ridership.
• Featured a casino, carousel, shooting galleries, terrace step movies, and aerial performances.
• Designed by the Frederick Law Olmsted Company.
• Included a graveyard on its map.

Evidence of Burials on Campus

• In 1947 and 1950, human bones were discovered during construction but were not properly relocated or documented.
• GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) used to locate grave shafts, believed to be an enslaved cemetery.

Historical Context: Plantation Era

• Land was a plantation owned by Benjamin W. Green.
• Plantation house and possibly a few outbuildings still exist.
• Enslaved labor built gristmills and sawmills using lake water.

Benjamin W. Green's Financial and Enslavement History

• Encountered financial difficulties and felony charges in 1840.
• By 1860, owned 186 enslaved individuals; census lacked personal names.
• Enslaved people were rented out for dangerous work, such as mining.

Post-Civil War Era

• Freed African Americans lived predominantly in Ziontown.
• Oral traditions mention graves of Green’s enslaved people on campus.

Mystery of Burials

• Speculation about non-African Americans, possibly Union soldiers from Dahlgren's 1864 raid, being buried on campus.
• Confederate dead received formal burials, but Union soldiers and horses' graves are unknown.

Importance of the Project

• The university seeks transparency and historical accuracy.
• Understanding diverse cultures fosters respect and empathy.
• It's crucial for memorializing past individuals and enhancing understanding of history.

GPR Survey Results

• Recent GPR surveys in Charlottesville and on campus failed to show definitive grave evidence.
• The mystery of who might be buried on campus remains unsolved, highlighting the untold stories of enslaved individuals.

Conclusion

• The project is part of a broader effort to acknowledge and remember those who lived and died on the land.