GreenvilleWednesday, November 4
Radar survey finds 572 unmarked graves at Greenville's Springwood Cemetery
The 5AM Mauldin team
A ground-penetrating radar survey of Section V at Springwood Cemetery found 572 unmarked graves in the northeastern corner overlooking Academy and Church streets. The section was a former potter's field for African Americans and impoverished people.
572unmarked graves found in Section V
Another 30 to 50 graves are expected in a small area the survey hasn't covered yet.
Source: Greenville Journal
The city says about 617 graves were identified and permanently marked, and records date them to around 1865. The Greenville County Historical Society paid $6,000 for the metal disc markers, which don't name the dead.
- Burials downtown: an estimated 10,000, about 2,600 unmarked
- Radar survey cost: $3,000, from Debbie Weeks
- Next meeting: Nov. 10, 3 p.m., 102 E. Park Ave.
- Memorials considered: a larger monument and a garden
Markers are in place and the committee meets Nov. 10
- AugustOmega Mapping Services runs the radar survey of Section V.
- SeptemberThe advisory committee approves metal disc markers for the graves.
- Mid-Oct.Jason Forister finishes installing 617 markers.
- Nov. 10The committee meets at 3 p.m. to discuss more preservation efforts.
Source: Greenville Journal
“We're going to finally honor these lost souls.”
Sources: Greenville Journal, WSPA 7News