Daughters of Zion Cemetery
The Daughters of Zion Cemetery was created in 1873. It is being renovated now. Located at the corner of Oak and First St on a hilltop site of approximately 2 acres, the cemetery contains graves that are mostly in family groupings. One important grave is that of Benjamin Tonsler,[1] prominent African-American educator and leader, 1854 - 1917.
Commemoration and recognition
A group called the Preservers of the Daughters of Zion has been working to raise awareness of the cemetery. In 2016, City Council allocated $80,000 to restore the cemetery. [2]
Part of the work will include trying to discover the identities of some 160 graves that no longer are marked. So far, 136 have been identified.
In 2010, the cemetery was listed in the National Register of Historic Places[3] , which is the U.S. government's official list of places considered important to preserve. The National Register is a part of the National Park Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior
A Decoration Day was held on May 28, 2017. [4]
References
- ↑ Web. NPS biography of Benjamin Tonsler
- ↑ Web. Council holds last budget work session, Sean Tubbs, News Article, Charlottesville Tomorrow, April 7, 2016, retrieved January 2, 2017.
- ↑ Web. NPS Registration Form
- ↑ Web. Daughters of Zion Cemetery Preservers Host Decoration Day, Taylor Gleason, News Article, NBC29, May 28, 2017, retrieved May 29, 2017.