City of Salisbury recognizes local student for Potter’s Field restoration

Potter’s Field may have been a forgotten cemetery in Salisbury.

But one student is trying to change that. When Route 50 came through Salisbury in the 1950’s, it disrupted the gravesite leaving broken graves and deteriorated stones.

In the center of Salisbury, Potter’s Field has been neglected for years.

For 15-year-old Salisbury native, Ben Smith, this cemetery was more than just a forgotten site.

He wanted to restore the condition of the cemetery and give respect to those who have served their time.

This cemetery dates back to the Civil War Era where union soldiers and slaves had their final resting stop at this site.

Smith decided to give the area a facelift for his Eagle Scout project.

He tells 47 ABC the revitalization  took months as he restored and cleaned damaged stones, documented ancestors, as well as adding a sign to the site which tells you the history behind the cemetery, as well as a listing of who was buried there.

Mayor Jake Day and the city recognized Smith’s efforts Wednesday in restoring this historic piece for the city of Salisbury. Day says, “He’s done something that you know has taken a forgotten asset and turned it into something beautiful. And I think most importantly he has a helped honor the dead. And honor those who gave a lot to this community and their nation.”

Across the street to Potter’s Field is another cemetery called Houston Cemetery. Mayor Day says that they hope to restore that site in the spring as well.