African-American cemetery discovered near Frankford

FRANKFORD, Del. – An exciting discovery was made near Frankford on Thursday. After years of speculation, archaeologists uncovered a historic African-American cemetery at Hall Plantation.

Edward Otter, an Archaeologist said, “We’ve got 11 graves, eight adults, three children.”

The discovery started with a tombstone, belonging to someone named “C.S. Hall.” The tombstone says, “Co. K, 32nd U.S.C.T.,” which stands for United States Colored Troops.

Otter said, “We don’t find many African-American cemeteries because they’re not well marked. To find one with a union soldier is especially rare.”

This groundbreaking find would not have been uncovered if it hadn’t been for neighbors speaking up.

Heather Hastings, who lives across the street from Hall Plantation said, “A lot of the locals to this area knew it was here it just took a long time for somebody to do something about it.”

Once county leaders began considering plans to develop the land at Hall Plantation, neighbors began to come forward with information about a possible gravesite in the area.

While the land will still be developed despite concerns, residents can rest easy knowing the site will be protected.

Hastings said, “I’m not for the development, but at least they’re going to protect the graves.”

Edward Otter said they will not be removing any bones from this site, they were simply marking where the cemetery is so it can continue to be protected in the years to come.

Otter said, “This is really what archaeology is about. It’s about preserving it and the people, it’s really about the people.”

As of right now, there is no further information about the identities of those buried at the site. It is also yet to be determined if those buried were enslaved.

The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs says they hope to learn more about those buried so they can properly memorialize them and tell their stories one day.