Unmarked Cemetery Paved Over in Stafford, Virginia

The parcel at the northeast corner of U.S. 1 and Forbes Street was purchased by Access Eye Centers in 2002. The company owns the adjacent property, and expanded its parking lot more than a year ago. In the process, it inadvertently covered a 16- by 32-foot unmarked cemetery.

On Sept. 21, Linda Belles and Debra Scites, members of the Stafford County Cemetery Committee, decided to check out the Roberson cemetery they knew existed in Falmouth. When they saw the parking lot, they were upset but not surprised.

With Stafford's long history, it's not uncommon for new construction to turn up unmarked graves and cemeteries. In fact, many homeowners might not be aware of graves or cemeteries on their own properties.

The Cemetery Committee wants to clear that up by cataloging every cemetery in the county. Such a database could help developers, curious homeowners, historians and genealogists.

You can read more at http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2008/102008/10122008/416903.

Comments

[Virginia Britten]

I remember the feeling when searching for my Venard ancestors in Ohio and finding out my ancesters' cemetery was now the parking lot of King's Island. I can't understand how something like this happens.

[Ellen Healy]

What is the protocol in that situation? Are companies required to try and notify relatives or to disinter and rebury the graves?