DANVILLE, Va. — The decision to relocate the remains of hundreds of African American tenant farmers from a historical tobacco plantation in Virginia to a designated burial ground has stirred diverse reactions among the descendants of these sharecroppers.
While some descendants fear the repercussions of disturbing the graves of their exploited ancestors, others express hope that the remains can finally be honored and buried with dignity.
The remains, largely unidentified, are being exhumed from what was once one of the largest slave-owning operations in the nation to make way for an industrial park.
Cedric Hairston, a descendant of the buried tenants, remarked, “When they were buried, they were not considered fully human, but now they are patriots who are reclaiming their rights in 2025.”
Archaeologists have commenced the exhumation of approximately 275 plots, with some remains already transferred to a funeral home for reburial approximately a mile away. Consultation with descendants regarding the potential for genetic testing on unidentified remains and the new cemetery’s design, which will include a memorial archway, is ongoing.
Jeff Bennett, whose family has roots at the plantation, commented, “No one wishes for their ancestors to be exhumed, but it’s heartening that we have a substantial say in the cemetery’s design, which is being approached with dignity and respect.”
Throughout history, African American cemeteries have faced neglect and destruction. However, renewed efforts to preserve these vital links to history are gaining traction, with communities actively restoring forgotten burial grounds.
While generally in favor of the relocation project, Cedric Hairston expressed concern about the indignity of exhuming graves that belonged to those who endured slavery and exploitation.
He noted, “Even after a century, it feels like they still have not found peace.”
The Oak Hill plantation was part of an extensive family network that enslaved thousands across multiple states, as detailed in historical records.
Samuel Hairston, the plantation’s owner, has been described as one of the largest enslavers in the South.
The site has remained largely abandoned since the decline of sharecropping, with the plantation house destroyed by fire decades ago.
Many who were enslaved at Oak Hill left following emancipation, while those who remained as tenant farmers often faced exploitation and poverty amid the oppressive Jim Crow laws.
Some tenant farmers adopted the Hairston surname due to a lack of identification options at the time. Cedric Hairston shared, “Many of our ancestors bore Hairston children without any legal means of reporting those events.”
Bennett spoke about his great-great-great grandfather, Fleming Adams Sr., who was born into slavery and later worked at Oak Hill, where his height made it necessary to duck through doorways.
Adams raised three sons before passing away in 1916, his burial place officially recorded as Oak Hill.
“I hope we can uncover his grave,” said Bennett, emphasizing the importance of identifying remains through DNA samples.
Most graves in the two isolated sharecropper cemeteries are marked only by unmarked stones and earth depressions indicating where coffins have collapsed.
A public authority has acquired the land, and plans for a new battery production facility are expected to create thousands of jobs.
Officials received permission to proceed with the relocation in late November, aligning with the requests of descendant families.
As descendants visited the cemetery, a solemn silence enveloped the site. Local advocates emphasized the need for historical markers to honor those buried there.
Efforts are underway to raise funds for the relocation project, which will be executed by an engineering and consulting firm.
Archaeologists will collect remains and artifacts from each grave, ensuring that every element is respectfully transferred to the new burial site.
The hope is to complete this transition by early March, followed by the development of the new burial site and a dedication ceremony.
Recently discovered personal items buried with the deceased—such as eyeglasses and a 5-cent coin—serve as poignant reminders of their lives.
These artifacts will inform the memorial archway at the new burial site, which aims to inscribe the names of those interred.
“We are reaffirming the importance of our ancestors,” said Bennett. “It’s been generations since this land was used for burial, and we are rediscovering their stories to pass down to future generations.”
