Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground Richmond
A sacred African burial ground in Shockoe Bottom, Richmond, honoring enslaved and free Black individuals. A site of remembrance and community events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Honor ancestors & learn history
Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground Richmond
Best Time
Honor ancestors & learn history
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred African burial ground in Shockoe Bottom, Richmond, honoring enslaved and free Black individuals. A site of remembrance and community events.
"The humans buried here deserved better. This country didn’t treat them properly then. The least we can do is do better now."
Visit During Events
Attending events like the Gabriel Gathering or Juneteenth offers deeper insight and community connection.
Approach with Reverence
This is a sacred burial ground. Treat the space with respect and mindfulness.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sacred Ground
Shockoe Bottom
A place of deep historical significance, honoring the lives of enslaved and free Africans. Feel the ancestral power.
Gabriel Gathering
Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground
Annual commemoration honoring Gabriel, a pivotal figure in the fight for freedom. A powerful community event.
Juneteenth Celebrations
Richmond African Burial Grounds
Elegba Folklore Society's annual observance featuring music, dance, and cultural education. A vibrant celebration of freedom.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visitation
Understanding the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit During Events
Attending events like the Gabriel Gathering or Juneteenth offers deeper insight and community connection. 
Approach with Reverence
This is a sacred burial ground. Treat the space with respect and mindfulness.
Look for Informational Signs
Signs provide crucial historical context, though some visitors note they can be understated.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll likely be walking around the grounds, so comfortable footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit During Events
Attending events like the Gabriel Gathering or Juneteenth offers deeper insight and community connection.
Approach with Reverence
This is a sacred burial ground. Treat the space with respect and mindfulness.
Look for Informational Signs
Signs provide crucial historical context, though some visitors note they can be understated.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll likely be walking around the grounds, so comfortable footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Consider Shockoe Hill
There's another African Burial Ground at Shockoe Hill, less than 20 minutes away.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors express gratitude for the existence of this sacred site, acknowledging its profound historical importance. However, many note the lack of development and resources, contrasting the reverence due to the interred with the current state of the grounds. There's a strong sentiment that the humans buried here deserved better treatment then and now.
"So glad this place exists, but I do hope that one day more money will be poured into the stories yet to be told and descendants yet to be honored.
You enter an abandoned parking lot, read a hand written sign about the history, wander beneath a loud and littered-strewn bypass, and find a decaying marker or two.
There’s a bypass through former Black WallStreet, and a bypass through this burial ground.
The humans buried here deserved better. This country didn’t treat them properly then. The least we can do is do better now."
Kristy Johnson
"A beautiful grassy area in direct sunlight! Well manicured grass perfect for grounding and resetting with some lingering power from the ancestors!!"
Kissena Brutus
"Sacred ground, heavy with the presence of those that lie beneath. We honor you!"
Lisanna Fx
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The burial ground is located in Shockoe Bottom, often described as being near a parking lot beside I-95. While specific public transport routes might vary, driving and parking nearby is a common approach.
Visitors have mentioned parking in an adjacent parking lot. It's advisable to check for any parking restrictions or fees before your visit.
Yes, you can visit independently. However, attending community events can provide a more immersive and informative experience.
Some reviews suggest the area can be under a bypass and may have litter, indicating that accessibility might not be as developed as other historical sites.
Using GPS coordinates or searching for 'Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground Richmond' should guide you. Be aware of the surrounding urban environment.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required for general access to the Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground. It is a free public space.
As an open-air historical site, there are no strict opening or closing hours for general visitation. However, organized events will have specific times.
The site is free to visit. There are no admission fees for individuals or groups.
While official tours might not be consistently available, community organizations like Elegba Folklore Society often host events and gatherings that serve as educational experiences.
Based on visitor accounts, there isn't a formal visitor center. Information is primarily conveyed through on-site markers and community-led events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a grassy area with markers commemorating the interred. Some visitors note it's under a bypass, but many feel a strong ancestral presence.
Visitor reviews are mixed. Some describe it as a 'beautiful grassy area well manicured,' while others note it can be 'loud and littered-strewn.'
It's one of Richmond's oldest African burial grounds, holding the remains of enslaved and free Black individuals, a crucial part of the city's history.
Gabriel, a leader of a slave rebellion in 1800, is notably honored here, with an annual gathering in his name.
Visiting during an organized event like the Gabriel Gathering or Juneteenth celebration offers a richer, community-driven experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the markers and the open grassy areas. The contrast between the historical site and the urban surroundings can be striking.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, always be mindful of the sacred nature of the site and any ongoing events.
Capturing the solemnity of the space, the historical markers, and the community gatherings can create powerful images.
There are no specific mentions of drone restrictions, but it's always best to check local regulations and be respectful of the site and any visitors. :camerawithflash:
Early morning or late afternoon light can offer softer, more atmospheric conditions for capturing the essence of the burial ground. :sunriseovermountains: :cityscape:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 It's an opportunity to teach about history, respect for sacred spaces, and the importance of honoring ancestors. Prepare children by explaining the significance of the burial ground beforehand and emphasize the need for respectful behavior. Consider visiting during daylight hours for better visibility and safety. :family_child:Budget Travelers
History Enthusiasts
+1 Researching the history of Gabriel and the broader context of slavery in Richmond prior to your visit will greatly enhance the experience. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground
Recent efforts, including community activism and the work of organizations like the Elegba Folklore Society and Reclaiming the Monument, have been instrumental in bringing attention to this sacred ground. Events such as the Gabriel Gathering and Juneteenth celebrations are held here annually, not only to commemorate specific historical figures and events but also to foster collective healing and to advocate for the proper memorialization of the site. These gatherings transform the space into a vibrant hub of cultural expression and historical education, drawing attention to the need for greater respect and preservation. The ongoing dialogue surrounding the burial ground underscores a broader societal reckoning with historical injustices and the importance of honoring all ancestors.
Visitors often describe a palpable sense of ancestral power and a heavy atmosphere, reflecting the deep spiritual significance of the location. While some reviews note the challenging urban setting, with its proximity to highways and occasional litter, many emphasize the importance of visiting with reverence and an open heart. The contrast between the solemnity of the burial ground and its modern surroundings serves as a stark reminder of the historical erasure and the ongoing efforts to reclaim and honor this vital piece of American history.
Community and Commemoration
+4These commemorations are not just about remembering the past but also about advocating for the future. The community actively works towards reclaiming and properly memorializing the Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground, pushing for greater recognition and resources. The contrast between the historical importance of the site and its current state, sometimes described as under a bypass or near a parking lot, fuels the passion for its preservation and dignified acknowledgment. The collective effort highlights a commitment to ensuring that the stories of those buried here are not lost and that their descendants are honored.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit