Fort Ward’s Lost Graves: Who speaks for the dead? E.G. Heatwole

Fort Ward’s Lost Graves:  Who speaks for the dead?   E. G. Heatwole

As the City of Alexandria acquired private residential lands for the creation and development of Fort Ward Park the city’s officials took various actions to prepare the area for preservation and public use.  Research conducted by members of the Fort Ward History Work Group and the Ft. Ward & Seminary African American Descendants Society has uncovered public information about possible grave areas within the Fort site. 

For example, on October 3, 1960, while the E. G. Heatwole Alexandria’s City Manager was discussing development plans for Fort Ward Park with the Directors of Public Works, Planning, and his assistant Eugene L. Barnwell,  City Public Works Director P.B. Hall reported that a new topographic map of the Fort was completed and it included a grave plot 40’ X 50’.  During the discussion Mr. Hall suggested that this be referred to the City Attorney for his opinion and recommendation.  

Following the discussion on October 7, 1960 the City Manager wrote a letter to City Attorney V. Floyd Williams about the “Cemetery Plot within bounds of Fort Ward”.  The letter indicates that the City’s Public Works Director P.B. Hall reported that “there are several graves located within the Fort site. It is not believed that they have any relationship with activities of Fort Ward during 1861-65.  Also it is questioned as to whether there are bodies still buried there”.   

The letter continues, “If possible, we would like to have the area cleared.  Would you please advise me as to what action should be taken by the City to accomplish this?”

In an effort to find out what actions were taken, and where possible graves may be, members of the Fort Ward History Work Group made a request for written information related to these discussions under the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.  In January 2012 staff from the Office of the City Attorney wrote that “the City finds no records” of these discussions or correspondence. Community leaders as well as the family members of those who may be involved continue to hope that the archaeological research that is now underway will answer questions about the lost graves of Fort Ward.