Fort Ward's Lost Graves: Who speaks for the dead? Damaged Coffin Found Under Park Road

Fort Ward's Lost Graves: Who speaks for the dead?  Damaged Coffin Found Under Park Road

April 18, 2012

In July and October 2011 City Archaeologist Dr. Pam Cressey reported to City officials and community leaders on the results of research done as part of the City’s Interim Storm Water Drainage Project.  She noted that archaeological work revealed part of a unidentified coffin which was located under the road to the Fort Ward Park Maintenance Yard. “Unfortunately, most of the coffin and all traces of human remains were destroyed at some point in the past.  All that remains today is two-thirds  of the bottom of the coffin.  The head and shoulder area of the bottom of the coffin is completely missing.  The grave was probably cut by the park road post-1980”.