people's memorial cemetery

Much like slavery, this place is a tragedy. We were shocked not that it was on the National Register of Historic Places, but that it was in such horrific condition. Honestly, I have no idea how the City of Petersburg, to whom it is deeded, is not exceedingly embarrassed.Across the street is the famous Blandford cemetery, elegantly marked with civil war banners, a giant stone archway, and it is immaculately kept. Immediately across the street is the People's Cemetery, marked with a small sign. There is one entrance road in and out, and no way for vehicles to pass without entering the grass. We went because, as educators, we were interested to see some of the graves of slaves,and of free Blacks. Good luck with that. Nothing is marked. There are some family plots, but other than that, you are on your own.Many stones are toppled, have been left toppled and were subsequently just mown over. There are downed trees that have cracked some stones. Some stones lie hidden in tons of brush that you have to fight your way through just to see. There is trash and we even found a dead animal carcass. Nice. Top all of this off with the fact that the cemetery is not neatly walled in, so we were verbally accosted by the yahoo who lives on the corner immediately behind the cemetery. He did the same to three young women walking through behind us, so apparently this is how he entertains himself. As in times of slavery, it is clear which human beings are valued and which are not. The one redeeming ray of light was that some Union soldiers and soldiers of other wars did have small flags planted on their graves, by some local organization no doubt. But while the Confederate dead and their families rest deeply and well on one side of the road, it seems the City of Petersburg would rather let the not so wonderful side of their past sink into oblivion. Would I visit again? Yes. Why. Because some stones say "gone, but not forgotten." And I, for one, will not forget. But I'm taking some tools and supplies over with me so I can make it a little nicer while I am there.