Archaeological Relocation of Five Historic Cemeteries in North-Central Tennessee

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2023: Individual Abstracts" session, at the 88th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

In Spring of 2020 Wood E&IS embarked on the removal and relocation of graves associated with five late 19th- early 20th- century historic cemeteries located in rural north-central Tennessee. The cemeteries were deemed eligible for the National Register; therefore, graves were removed archaeologically. Each cemetery was mapped using noninvasive geophysical techniques to locate unmarked burials. Archival and genealogical research revealed that the decedents are associated with the local historic Odom’s Bend African American community. A total of 118 burials were meticulously excavated and removed. Reburial of remains was conducted in consultation with descendants and replicated patterns recorded in the field. Human remains and artifacts within the individual graves were documented using 3D photogrammetry techniques. The historical record of this African American community is limited. Significant contributions on the African American life experience in this region of rural Tennessee can be greatly enhanced through the results of these investigations. The ongoing research is focused on the health of the population through skeletal biological analysis, African American mortuary customs, socio-economic status and a host of other research questions. A synthesis of archival research and results of osteological and artifact analysis serves to ‘tell the story’ of this forgotten African American community.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• SAA 2023: Individual Abstracts   •
• Society for American Archaeology 88th Annual Meeting, Portland, OR (2023)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 37514.0