West Point Cemetery, Historic African American cemetery in downtown Norfolk, United States
West Point Cemetery is a burial ground in downtown Norfolk with multiple sections including Potter's Field and dedicated areas for military service members along Princess Anne Road. The grounds hold graves spanning different periods and reflect the diverse backgrounds of those interred there.
Founded in 1873, the cemetery became a final resting place for 58 African American soldiers who served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Over a decade later, it received its current name to honor those who fought and to establish a new identity for the grounds.
The cemetery holds deep significance for the local African American community as a space where generations of family members were laid to rest. Walking through the grounds, you encounter evidence of how this place has served as a repository of ancestral memory and identity for over a century.
You can reach staff at the Elmwood Cemetery office for information about the grounds during weekday mornings. The site is walkable and open to visitors, though it's worth checking ahead to learn about any restrictions in certain areas or access points.
A 1906 monument marks the grave of Sergeant William H. Carney of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, commemorating his battlefield courage. This soldier's story often goes overlooked, yet his recognition at this site makes it a place where overlooked history becomes visible.
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