Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial image

Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial

Tourist attraction β€’ Historical landmark

One of the Top rated Tourist attractions in Alexandria


Address

1001 S Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States

Website

www.alexandriava.gov

Contact

+1 703-746-4357

Rating on Google Maps

5.00 (46 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Danne H. 4 years ago on Google
    On a random walk noticed the Freedmans cemetary. It's an amazing piece of history and culture. Very happy that we saw this place. It's small but the history and reflection provided is worth a visit. They also have a listing of the people buried there and and nice little fact on if their descendants have been found.
    6 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 D. F. 5 years ago on Google
    It's a sobering reminder of the region's history. It's small but the information presented is well-done.
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Michael V. 1 year ago on Google
    When the Civil War started and the Union took Alexandria many escaped slaves, called Contraband, poured into the city to escape their former masters. This overcrowding caused a high mortality rate. The soldiers seized a undeveloped plot of land and turned it into a cemetery. More than 1,700 Freedmen and Contrabands were buried here, Of course it was forgotten, built on, and many of the graves were destroyed. Rediscovered in 1996 it is now a monunment, From what I understand about 500 graves still exist and many of the markers on the ground had only 'Grave Of An Adult' on it. BUT the lists of names suggest more knowledge of who was buried. Mostly because many of their descendants were found. Oh, is that crow or a raven?
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Art L. 6 years ago on Google
    Encountered this roadside park and memorial by chance, explored for a couple hours. Preserved site and interpretive signage on an interesting and overlooked footnote to history. No services, food, or weather shelter.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Lawrence D. 3 years ago on Google
    A powerful message. Moving and gut wrenching. The sculpture captured the traitorous road to freedom. The imagery of thorns and roses is apropo. Freedom is truly at the end of the road.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Mark H. 4 years ago on Google
    We believe it or not I did install all those grave markers it's 645 of them
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 James Koerner (. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a small place with a very powerful message. A must visit.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Travis N. 1 year ago on Google
    Was here at 245 a.m. last week. Powerful experience #1vote
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Terry’ion B. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow.. interesting and powerful history. It’s so meaningful and it gives you a bigger perspective.

  • 5/5 Paul 8 months ago on Google
    It's a beautiful memorial with a ton of information. I always find it a bit hard to not get emotional when I visit. Some of the grave markers are becoming overgrown with grass but otherwise it is a well maintained cemetery.

  • 5/5 Sarah E. 1 year ago on Google
    An amazing hidden treasure full of history! I got chills standing in an ancestral burial place!

  • 5/5 Stephanie M. 11 months ago on Google
    Finally a place in OLD TOWN Alexandria that speaks to me personally.


Call +1 703-746-4357 Open on Google Maps

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