Overview 3 of Existing Conditions

Summary

East End Cemetery contains layers of information that generate additional questions after each day of investigation. This chapter provides a survey of the existing conditions and an analysis of opportunities and challenges.

30 EAST END CEMETERY MASTER PLAN 3.1 Oakwood-Chimborazo National Historic District East End Cemetery is located on the far eastern The District has an eclectic collection of 1,606 corner of the City of Richmond, separated from buildings, of which the majority is a diverse the rest of the city by Gillies Creek and Stony Run. collection of Late Victorian, Greek Revival, and Its eastern boundary is marked by the Henrico Italianate structures. The cemetery provides County line. The Oakwood-Chimborazo National visible evidence of the growth and evolution Historic District extends from Oakwood Cemetery of the community as a potential contributing and Historic Evergreen Cemetery as its north resource to the district. Therefore, if the cemetery terminus to Gillies Creek Park and East Broad is incorporated into the District, East End may be Street as its south terminus. East End Cemetery, eligible for federal or state tax credits. while not currently included in the District, fi ts within the District's primary period HENRICO COUNTY of signifi cance, dating from CITY OF RICHMOND 1820 to 1950. CREIGHTON RD

Legend East End Cemetery DABBS HENRICO HOUSE COUNTY Privately-owned MUNICIPAL W NINE MILE RD (33) Cemetery COMPLEX FAIRMOUNT City-owned Cemetery City/County-owned COLORED PAUPERS Park CEMETERY

OAKWOOD EAST END Bike Trail INTERSTATE 64 CEMETERY CEMETERY Trail Planned Bike/ Pedestrian HISTORIC EVERGREEN Street OAKWOOD STONY RUN CEMETERY Parcel Boundary GILLIES CREEK Richmond City E RICHMOND RD Boundary SHOCKOE BOTTOM Waterway SIR MOSES Floodway JENNY SCHER RD MONTEFIORE CEMETERY 100-year Floodplain CHIMBORAZO PARK 500-year Floodplain VIRGINIA CAPITAL TRAIL GILLIES CREEK Building/Structure GILLIES CREEK PARK MONTROSE Oakwood-Chimborazo HEIGHTS National Historic District WILLIAMSBURG RD FULTON HILL 0’ 600’ 1200’ 2400’ NATIONAL RICHMOND ROCKETTS CEMETERY N SCALE: 1”: 2400’ LANDING

EXISTING CONDITIONS OVERVIEW 31 3.2 Cemetery District geographic and demographic expansion of East End Cemetery falls within a “cemetery Richmond and the need for hallowed ground for district,” where there is a cluster of multiple each group of people. Three of these cemeteries cemeteries within a half-mile radius. The cemetery (East End, Sir Moses Montefi ore, and Workmen’s district contains seven cemeteries: Oakwood, East Circle) straddle the city/county line, which has End, Colored Paupers, Historic Evergreen, Sir not shifted since the cemeteries were established. Moses Montefi ore, Beth Torah, and Workmen’s Oakwood Cemetery and Historic Evergreen Circle of Richmond. Each cemetery tells the Cemetery are the only two cemeteries that also are story of a diff erent group of people representing part of the Oakwood-Chimborazo District. diverse ethnicities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds. As a collection, they show the

Creighton Court Redevelopment Dabbs House

Colored Paupers Woodville Cemetery Elementary School

Oakwood Henrico County East End Cemetery City of Richmond Cemetery

Oakwood Legend Playground East End Cemetery Historic Privately-owned Evergreen Cemetery Cemetery City-owned Cemetery City/County-owned Park Gillies Creek Bike Trail Bill Robinson Park Street Parcel Boundary Richmond City Boundary Workmen’s Circle Waterway Cemetery of Floodway Gillies Creek Sir Moses Montefi ore Richmond Virginia 100-year Floodplain Cemetery 500-year Floodplain Beth Torah Cemetery Montrose Heights Oakwood-Chimborazo National Historic District Playground

0’ 400’ 800’ 1600’

N SCALE: 1”: 1600’

32 EAST END CEMETERY MASTER PLAN Oakwood Cemetery 1 2 Founded by the City of Richmond in 1855, Oakwood began with interments of African American paupers along Stony Run. This initially rural cemetery drew wealthy white upper-class burials soon after.

Colored Paupers Cemetery 3 When Colored Paupers was established in 1895, it was originally part of Oakwood Cemetery. It holds hundreds of burials, with only a few marked. In 1 2 2007, it was reclaimed by the nonprofi t Virginia Roots to be managed by the City. The cleared area of the cemetery was named Garden of Lilies, to honor the children buried there.

Sir Moses Montefi ore Cemetery 4 Founded in the 1880s by orthodox Jewish Russian immigrants, Sir Moses Montefi ore Cemetery honors a diff erent immigration group, Jewish German immigrants of Beth Ahabah. 3 4

Historic Evergreen Cemetery 5 6 Historic Evergreen Cemetery was founded in 1891 and designed by James T. Redd & Sons on a 46-acre parcel. It was later expanded to almost 59 acres in 1902 when the eastern parcel was purchased. The Enrichmond Foundation purchased Historic Evergreen in 2017.

Workmen’s Circle Cemetery of Richmond, Virginia 7 5 6 Established in 1924, the Workmen’s Circle Cemetery provided aff ordable burials for its members. It contains several hundred burials.

Beth Torah Cemetery 8 The Jewish Orthodox Beth Torah Cemetery was founded in the 1950s. When the founding congregation dissolved at some point, Congregation Kol Emes assumed ownership. In 2005, a corporation from within the congregation took over 7 8 the ownership and operation.

EXISTING CONDITIONS OVERVIEW 33 3.3 Surrounding Land Use East End Cemetery and the adjacent Historic Two landfi lls, one in the City of Richmond Evergreen Cemetery are owned by the Enrichmond and one in Henrico County, are southwest and Foundation. The surrounding land is primarily northwest of the cemetery, respectively. Both industrial, residential, or vacant. landfi lls are capped, meaning they are closed and have active measures in place to manage potential The East End Cemetery abuts the Colored Paupers hazards, such as eff ects on water quality and gas Cemetery parcel along East End’s southwestern emissions. boundary along the city/county line. Historic Evergreen Cemetery also abuts the southern Residential neighborhoods are located north, west, boundary of East End Cemetery along the city/ and south of the site. These have a variety of single- county line. South of East Richmond Road, Henrico family, condominium, and multi-family housing County owns land within the city limits for a water units. Few commercial lots are located within half equalization basin. Much of the land south Historic a mile of East End Cemetery, resulting in fewer Evergreen Cemetery to the railway is owned by workforce habitants in the area. the city or the county and is used for sanitary lines and water management facilities. Industry located to the east and south of East End causes high noise Legend Waterway levels, odors, undesirable views, and air pollution Cemetery Boundary Street Cemetery (public) for the cemetery. Parcel Boundary Cemetery (private) City Boundary Park/Open Space Industrial Commercial Residential Vacant

1

2 1 Historic Evergreen Cemetery

2 Stony Run Parkway looking north 3 Stony Run Parkway looking south 4 Rear entrance to Gillies Creek Recycling 3 4

34 EAST END CEMETERY MASTER PLAN 0’ 225’ 450’ 900’

N SCALE: 1”: 900’

HENRICO COUNTY

CITY OF RICHMOND

VACANT VACANT VACANT INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

LANDFILL (HENRICO COUNTY)

2 1 3 EAST END 4 I-65 CEMETERY (ENRICHMOND) RESIDENTIAL

COLORED PAUPERS CEMETERY (CITY OF HENRICO COUNTY OAKWOOD RICHMOND) CITY OF RICHMOND CEMETERY (CITY OF RICHMOND) VACANT (PRIVATE)

HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL EVERGREEN CEMETERY GILLIES CREEK (ENRICHMOND) RECYCLING (PRIVATE)

CITY OF RICHMOND

HENRICO COUNTY RESIDENTIAL

EAST RICHMOND ROAD LANDFILL REESE SANDBLASTING (CITY OF RICHMOND) (PRIVATE)

CITY OF RICHMOND

GILLIES CREEK FLOW HENRICO COUNTY EQUALIZATION BASIN (HENRICO COUNTY) INDUSTRIAL (PRIVATE)

RAILWAY

INDUSTRIAL (PRIVATE) VACANT RESIDENTIAL

HENRICO COUNTY

CITY OF RICHMOND

EXISTING CONDITIONS OVERVIEW 35 3.4 Spatial Orientation

Bulheller/Evergreen Road

Stony Run Pkwy "U" Loop

The Knoll

The Diagonal

n

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Ston

Legend Historic Evergreen Cemetery Existing Contours Cemetery Path Waterway

Street Floodway 0’ 45’ 90’ 180’ Parcel Boundary 100-year Floodplain N SCALE: 1”: 180’ Richmond City Boundary 500-year Floodplain

36 EAST END CEMETERY MASTER PLAN East End Cemetery incorporates a grid layout A U-shaped loop is the primary organizing adapted to topographical and hydrological element in the northern portion of the cemetery. features. In 2020, Enrichmond hired SKTWorks The western portion slopes downhill to the LLC, a GIS and GPS services fi rm, to complete clearing within Colored Paupers Cemetery. It is mapping of East End Cemetery. This information, undetermined how far burials extend down the provided by SKT, is adapted in this plan to refl ect hillside. The southern portion contains a path with as-built infrastructure and cemetery features as a smaller loop at the end that takes advantage of a discovered to date. Portions of the site remain small knoll situated to the east of Colored Paupers unknown due to dense vegetation, soil and debris and to the north of Historic Evergreen Cemetery. cover, and vandalism. The southern area is also bisected by a drainage ravine that fl ows south into Evergreen Cemetery, Features resulting in a diagonal layout pa ern confi gured to Since 2013, volunteers associated with the Friends work with the topography. of East End Cemetery cleared large portions of the cemetery leaving overstory trees that give the There is evidence of erosion in the drainage ravine land an open woodland appearance. Family and and along the western edge of the cemetery that individual plots are concentrated mainly along continues down to the Colored Paupers Cemetery. Bulheller/Evergreen Road and just north of Historic This erosion may threaten existing burials. Evergreen Cemetery. There are some ornate gravestones and statues that are interspersed Viewsheds throughout the site, and many metal markers in Historically, vegetation framed views into and out the northern part of the cemetery placed by funeral of the cemetery boundary along roads and between homes. focal points. As the vegetation matured, these views became obscured. Although some vistas are Topography + Layout cleared of the vegetation and the views restored. East End Cemetery is laid out in a grid pa ern in the relatively fl at area that lies just to the south Major Viewsheds + Sight Lines and west of Bulheller/Evergreen Road. The area adjacent to the north-south Bulheller/Evergreen Road contains the best-preserved grid, family plots, and grave plots. The topographical changes infl uence the character of the diff erent areas of the cemetery. Moving to the west and south, as the topography becomes more challenging the grid structure is lost and much of the cemetery contains mounded topography from both sunken graves and grave removals, which were reburied at desegregated cemeteries in Richmond.

EXISTING CONDITIONS OVERVIEW 37 3.5 Evolution of the Site

Bulheller/Evergreen Road

Stony Run Pkwy

n

y Ru

Ston

0’ 45’ 90’ 180’ 1920 1980 N SCALE: 1”: 180’

Burial dates adapted from this map: h ps://dsl.richmond.edu/eastend/#loc=18/37.53621053767018/-77.387875020504 38 EAST END CEMETERY MASTER PLAN 1936 1953 1968

To aid in the ongoing preservation of East End and The current western boundary lies along the Historic Evergreen Cemeteries, Enrichmond hired boundary with the Colored Paupers site. It is Wellman Conservation to create a Preservation Plan unknown how far down the slope the burials for both sites. This report provides context about extend, but physical inspection indicated they the cemetery’s development. Burial records were extend downslope. lost, but according to the Preservation Plan for East End, there are approximately 13,000 to 17,000 Family and individual plots are found throughout burials on the 16-acre site. The Wellman report the cemetery. Individual plots are identifi ed by categorizes graves chronologically and includes individual gravestones and smaller plot sizes corresponding data points representing gravesites. (typically 4’x 8’). Many individual plots are The gravesite categories are: unmarked. Family plots are larger (16’x16’) and often have a distinct boundary and honor multiple • Before 1920 generations. • 1920 – 1939 • 1940 – 1959 • 1960 – 1979 • 1980 – Present

East End Cemetery does not have a clear pa ern of burial chronology. Many of the oldest graves (pre-1920s to 1939) are concentrated at the end of the U-shaped path, and some are sca ered along the southern portion of the cemetery. Graves dated 1940 to the present are interspersed throughout the cemetery but concentrated within the fi rst two grid sections along Bulheller/Evergreen Road.

EXISTING CONDITIONS OVERVIEW 39 3.6 Landscape Character Diff erent areas of the cemetery possess distinct illustrate religious and epidemiological forces characteristics defi ned by grave type, path present in 19th- and 20th-century Richmond. design, topography, prominence, tree cover, and hydrology. The varying character of the areas Diff erent areas of the cemetery may require individuals and families chose for their place of diff erent restoration techniques due to the varying burial help communicate the temporal and cultural built and natural conditions. This may apply to distinctions within East End Cemetery. strategies such as drainage and infrastructure in the The diff erences between the character areas likely mostly fl at open area and the restoration of slate versus granite markers.

Interstate-64

1 The Teardrop 2 Road Stony Run Buff er

Stony Run Pkwy

Colored 3 The "U" 8 Paupers Loop Grid Extension 7 Hillslope

City of Richmond

Henrico County

Colored Paupers 4 The Knoll Cemetery

5 Ravine

6 Diagonal

Gillies Creek Stony Run Recycling

Evergreen Cemetery

40 EAST END CEMETERY MASTER PLAN 1 The Teardrop This area of land was recently owned by Henrico County and purchased by Enrichmond in 2019. It sits adjacent to the highway where the land is fl at and off ers a good location for a potential entry space, as identifi ed in the Historic Evergreen Master Plan.

2 Road Buff er 1 2 This is a lower area just south of the east-west Bulheller/Evergreen Road. It is fl at and recessed and does not appear to contain any gravesites.

3 The "U" Loop Grid This prominent section has several ornate gravestones and is easily accessible from Bulheller/ Evergreen Road. This area of the cemetery maintains the most formal gridded layout. It contains gravesites from the pre-1920s to the 3 4 present, with a cluster of older gravesites within the arc of the U shape.

4 The Knoll This area is characterized by a single path with a loop at the end. At the high point, or knoll, the natural terrain slopes down toward the Colored Paupers site.

This section is a drainage ravine that extends south 5 6 into Evergreen Cemetery and drains into Stony Run. It contains gravesites, with the potential of Legend Boundary lost graves due to erosion over time. Cemetery Path Street 5 Ravine Parcel Boundary This section is a drainage that extends south into City Boundary Evergreen Cemetery and drains into Stoney Run. It Existing Contours Waterway contains gravesites, with the potential of lost graves 0’ 45’ 90’ 180’ due to erosion over time. N SCALE: 1”: 180’

EXISTING CONDITIONS OVERVIEW 41 6 Diagonal This fl at area, which is cleared of vegetation, follows the grid established in the U-Loop Grid. Bulheller/Evergreen Road runs along the eastern edge.

7 Hillslope This western portion of East End slopes steeply

7 8 down to the area identifi ed as the Colored Paupers Extension. Gravesites extend for a distance beyond the top of the slope. It is unknown if the hillside contains signifi cant burials.

8 Colored Paupers Extension This area is just north of the Garden of the Lilies within the Colored Paupers site. It is somewhat secluded by the slope up to the road and has not been cleared as extensively as the Garden of the Lilies. This area has the feeling of open woods and may be an extension of the unmarked mass grave area in the Garden of the Lilies.

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EXISTING CONDITIONS OVERVIEW 43 3.7 Gravestone Typology Elements within a cemetery landscape, including the types of layouts, structures, and markers, are identifi ed with a common vocabulary. These terms are not exhaustive but are relevant to East End Cemetery. 1 2 Family Plot 1 Typically, a 16’x16’ plot with familial affi liations.

Individual Plot 2 Typically, 4’x8’ plots arranged individually in chronological order.

Sculpture 3 A stone carving used as a grave marker. 3 4 Obelisk 4 A tall, square, slender gravestone that is pointed at the top. Obelisks typically demonstrate wealth.

Grave Depression 5 A hollow in the ground over a grave due to the collapse of the coffi n and/or the lack of a vault.

Grave Landscaping 6 Any modifi cation of the grave area with plantings, 5 6 fountains, bird baths, or similar features.

Vault 7 A modern concrete shell in which a coffi n is placed to prevent the grave from sinking.

Tablet 8 A rectangular grave marker placed at a right angle to the ground containing various inscriptions and 7 8 carvings.

44 EAST END CEMETERY MASTER PLAN Upright Stone / Headstone 9 A fl at slab-like stone grave marker placed at the head of the grave. The edging and details vary with inscriptions and crowning.

Ledger Stone 10 A grave marker placed horizontally to cover the full grave. Some ledger stones are placed directly in the soil; others are set in pavement or concrete. 9 10

Flush Stone 11 A grave marker placed horizontally, fl ush with the surface of the earth. These are found throughout the cemetery. Some are a ached to concrete vaults.

Temporary Burial Signs 12 A small metal sign often placed by funeral homes to identify the location of a grave prior to the installation of a formal headstone. Many still exist 11 12 in locations where a family did not have the means to pay for a more permanent marker.

Grave Curb 13 A low border of stone or concrete surrounding a grave or plot. The curb sits slightly underground and rises a few inches above the surface. The area inside the grave curb may contain gravel, earth, lawn, or paving. 13 14 Grave Fence 14 A fence surrounding a plot, usually two to three feet high. The most common material in East End is gas pipe railing, though some are made of cast iron.

Art and Symbology 15 16 A variety of artifacts designed in various styles that indicate fraternal orders, cultural values, or beliefs. Examples include conch shells, crosses, mosaics, 15 16 and Woodmen of the World concrete markers.

EXISTING CONDITIONS OVERVIEW 45 There are two loop paths: the U-loop within The 3.8 Infrastructure U-loop grid and the path with a small loop at the Infrastructure is what makes a site usable. It end within the Knoll. Both paths are not suitable encompasses circulation, services, maintenance for typical vehicles, but they may be suitable access, and security. These elements build on each for lightweight vehicles, such as mini-carts. The other to create a functional space for visitors. turning radii of both loops will need to be verifi ed for the desired use vehicle. Roads and Paths Other paths throughout the cemetery are suitable Bulheller/Evergreen Road borders the north and for pedestrians and may require minor regrading eastern sides of East End Cemetery and provides and fi nishing for a smooth walking surface. access from Stony Run Parkway into the site. The road is mostly gravel with asphalt remnants. There are two ways for vehicles to turn around and return to Stony Run Parkway. One is to Major paths within the cemetery are approximately enter Historic Evergreen Cemetery via Bulheller/ 15- to 20-feet wide, allowing ample space for Evergreen Road and utilize the upper loop area. a small vehicle. However, it is unknown if There is also limited space to turn around using the burials took place within the paths. Prior to maintenance access drive to Gillies Creek Recycling any improvements, a subsurface survey is at the end of the east-west oriented section of recommended. Graves may be placed closer to the Bulheller/Evergreen Road. internal paths in several cases, narrowing or even Legend Waterway blocking paths. Widening roads or paths risks Historic Evergreen Existing Access Cemetery Parking Area damaging gravesites. Cemetery Path Major Path Street Walk Parcel Boundary Richmond City Boundary Existing Contours

0’ 45’ 90’ 300’

N SCALE: 1”: 300’ 1

Legend 2 Bulheller/Evergreen Road 1 toward Evergreen Cemetery

2 Bulheller/Evergreen Road toward the Tear Drop

3 The only parking is on the shoulder of the road.

3 4 4 The U-Loop path

46 EAST END CEMETERY MASTER PLAN Entrances, Circulation, and Roads

n

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Ston Interstate-64

2

Bulheller/Evergreen Road

Stony Run Pkwy Unpaved 1 wide road

Unpaved wide road

4 Parking Colored currently on Paupers shoulder Cemetery

3

Henrico County City of Richmond Parking currently on shoulder

n

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Ston

Evergreen Cemetery

EXISTING CONDITIONS OVERVIEW 47 Access + Parking Services + Buildings Bulheller/Evergreen Road is the only road in East There are no buildings or services located within End Cemetery accessible to vehicles. The paths East End Cemetery. The closest port-a-po ies are within the cemetery are not accessible by vehicle. located within Historic Evergreen Cemetery. If a Visitors access the cemetery from Stony Run running-water restroom were added, it would need Parkway, approaching the cemetery from the north to connect to the City of Richmond water services and west. The southern access to East End is from and be located with no eff ect on the gravesites. within the Historic Evergreen Cemetery, as both There are a handful of existing benches within each cemeteries share a boundary. of the loop paths.

All visitors to East End Cemetery must park along the shoulder of Bulheller/Evergreen Road. There are no offi cially designated parking areas within East End Cemetery. Large vehicles such as buses may drive down the road but must turn around in Evergreen Cemetery.

Legend Picnic Area Maintenance Building Port-a-po ies Information Kiosk

Typical Road Section, Bulheller/Evergreen Road, Existing

Soil and debridebriss TreesTr ee s grgrowingow in g burying roadro ad in walkwayw al kw ay

Width varies

Adjacent Shoulder Gravel Road Shoulder Grave plot Property 48 EAST END CEMETERY MASTER PLAN Utilities Security Located on the edge of the City of Richmond, The northwestern entrance off Stony Run Parkway East End Cemetery has no active utility lines is not gated and is open to vehicles, pedestrians, running through it. There is minimal stormwater and cyclists. There is no fence marking the infrastructure at the entrance to East End from boundary of the cemetery or protecting its contents Stony Run Parkway. A sanitary utility easement on any side. The Evergreen Road entrance to runs between Stony Run and Stony Run Parkway Historic Evergreen Cemetery has a chain-link fence off the cemetery property. There are no marked that is typically open. There are several cameras stormwater drainage or water lines. There are no located in East End Cemetery, which need to be known water spigots. upgraded and expanded throughout the site. Utilities Map !! ! ! # #! ! ! ! !! # #!# # !! ! ! ! ! !!! Legend # # !# ! ! ! ! ! ! # # ! !!! ! # ! ! ! Historic Evergreen # !! ! !! ! # # ! ! !! # ! ! Cemetery # !!! ! ! Nine Mile Rd !!!!!! # !## !! ! ! ! # ! ! ! ! ! Parcel Boundary # # !! ! !! !!! ! ! ! ! !#! #!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Richmond City # # ! ! ! ! # ! ! !! ! # !! ! !! ! Boundary ! !!! ! !! ! !! # ! ! ! !!! Waterway !! Floodway ! ! ! Utility Easement ! Gas Line ! I-65 ! ! Sanitary Line ! Sewer Manhole ! ! !! Stony Run ! Water Line ! !! ! Stormwater Line ! ! ! East End ! Stormwater Manhole !! ! ! ! ! # ! !! ! ! ! ! Cemetery ! Stormwater Drop Inlet !! ! ! Open Channel !! ! # !! # ! Hydrant Evergreen Rd Oakwood ! Primary Electric Cemetery !! ! # Secondary Electric ! ! #! # Streetlight !! # #!!!# ! # !!! !# Cemetery Water Spigot #! ! Gillies Creek # # Recycling # !# !# Stony Run Pkwy !# # # !! !!#! ! Historic # #! # # #! ! ! # Evergreen #! ! # ! #! ! # ! ! # ! Cemetery !#! ! ! # ! ! !Villas! of! !!# # ! ! !# #!Oakwood!! ! ! ! ! ! # # ! !# ! ! ! ! !!# ! # ! ! !#! ! # # ! ! ! # #! ! !! #!! # ! ! !#! ! !##! ! !# ! # ! # # # Gillies Creek Landfi ll ! ! # !! ! ! !# E Richmond# Rd # !! # ! # 0’ 200’ 400’ 800’ ! ! !!! ! ! !#! ! ! ! !!! ! ! N ! ! ! ! SCALE: 1”: 800’ ! ! !

EXISTING CONDITIONS OVERVIEW 49 3.9 Wayfi nding Site Information The signs and kiosk provide some information for There is a sign for East End Cemetery at the entry visitors, but there is no signage throughout the off Stony Run Parkway onto Bulheller/Evergreen cemetery, QR codes, or physical guide to carry. Road, and another East End Cemetery sign and information kiosk at the bend in Bulheller/ Programmed Information Evergreen Road where the road turns to the south. Guided volunteer days are hosted on Saturdays The kiosk provides brief information about the by the Enrichmond Foundation and provide cemetery and the Friends of East End Cemetery community volunteers an opportunity to help with volunteer group. the clean-up and beautifi cation of the cemetery.

Entry signage at Stony Run Parkway and Evergreen Road.

50 EAST END CEMETERY MASTER PLAN This page is intentionally left blank.

EXISTING CONDITIONS OVERVIEW 51 3.10 Hydrology Site Ravines, Drainages, and Slopes The topography divides the water fl ow into four The most prominent ravine in East End Cemetery basins, all fl owing into Stony Run. Existing slopes begins just south of the Knoll loop path and are vegetated, which has slowed erosion. Stony extends southwest toward and into Historic Run Parkway has a drainage ditch that runs along Evergreen Cemetery, draining into Stony Run. Two the southeastern side of the road. smaller drainage swales intersect this ravine from the northeast and southeast, creating a triangular Stony Run piece of cemetery that forced the design of the Stony Run, a stream with severe erosion, forms cemetery grid to shift. This area is at risk for severe the southern boundary of the Colored Paupers erosion and may have already experienced damage Cemetery and the western boundary of Historic to existing graves. The other area of erosion risk is Evergreen Cemetery. Stony Run fl ows under East the northwestern part of the cemetery, where at the Richmond Road and merges with Gillies Creek end of the U-loop a relatively constant but steep located near the 19th-century sawmill, south of slopes descends to a low fl at area that is potentially East Richmond Road. The 100-year fl oodplain part of the mass grave burial in the Colored is outside the East End boundary; the 500-year Paupers Cemetery. fl oodplain is within the boundary.

1 Legend

1 Ravine 2 2 Cemetery Road into East End

3 Depressions and undulations throughout

4 Ravine closer to Stony Run

3 4

52 EAST END CEMETERY MASTER PLAN Hydrology Plan, Existing

Interstate-64

Stony Run Stony Run Pkwy

Depression, Steep slopes, 3 Basin 1 potential severe erosion Basin 3 at sheet fl ow graves

Basin 2 Severe erosion Basin 4 and risk to City of Richmond gravesites

Henrico County

1

2

Severe erosion Evergreen Road and risk to gravesites

Stony Run 4

Gillies Creek Recycling

Henrico County

City of Richmond Legend Richmond City Boundary 500-year Floodplain Historic Evergreen Cemetery Existing Contours Waterfl ow Cemetery Path Waterway Basin Boundary Street Floodway + High Point Parcel Boundary 100-year Floodplain 0’ 45’ 90’ 180’ N SCALE: 1”: 180’

EXISTING CONDITIONS OVERVIEW 53 3.11 Ecology The ecology is diverse despite vegetation and Additional information on the Chesapeake Bay Buff er Area invasive plant overgrowth. A small southwestern may be found here: corner of the site is within the Chesapeake Bay Buff er Area. The site was not originally wooded City of Richmond Public Utilities: h p://www.richmondgov.com/PublicUtilities/chesapeakebay. but has since become populated with a maple-oak- aspx hickory forest, shade-loving groundcovers, and several invasive species. Virginia Runoff Reduction Method: h ps://www.swbmp.vwrrc.vt.edu/vrrm/ Chesapeake Bay Buff er Area Riparian Buff er Manual (RPA): Both Stony Run and Gillies Creek fl ow into the h ps://www.deq.virginia.gov/Portals/0/DEQ/Water/ James River, placing them within the Chesapeake Publications/RiparianBuff erManual.pdf Bay Buff er Area. The buff er area was created to protect the water quality in the Chesapeake Public Information Manual: h p://www.richmondgov.com/PublicUtilities/documents/ Bay watershed by restricting impact along its PIM-Final-06-23-17-Color.pdf waterways. There are two buff er levels: the Resource Protection Area (100-feet from the stream), and the Resource Management Area (500-feet from the stream). The Resource Protection Area does not extend into East End Cemetery.

Resource Management Area The Resource Management Area is a 500-foot buff er from Stony Run and Gillies Creek. Removal of vegetation is classifi ed as maintenance if cut only Legend to the ground. Any ground impact greater than Historic Evergreen Cemetery 2,500 square feet is classifi ed as land disturbance Cemetery Path and requires a Water Quality Impact Assessment Street and a Richmond Stormwater Management Parcel Boundary Richmond City Boundary Permit. Any change of hardscape (asphalt, gravel, Existing Contours concrete, compacted earth) will also require Waterway a Water Quality Impact Assessment and the Resource Protection Area (100’) Virginia Runoff Reduction Method. Changes in the Resource Management Area (500’) 0’ 45’ 90’ 180’ existing hardscapes (existing roads) fall under the N SCALE: 1”: 180’ categorization of redevelopment, rather than new development regulations. Adapted from the City of Richmond Chesapeake Bay Protection Areas online GIS map.

54 EAST END CEMETERY MASTER PLAN Chesapeake Bay Buff er Area

Interstate-64

Stony Run

Stony Run Pkwy

Colored Paupers Cemetery

Evergreen Road Henrico County City of Richmond

100’ 400’

Gillies Creek Recycling

Stony Run

Evergreen Cemetery

Henrico County

City of Richmond

EXISTING CONDITIONS OVERVIEW 55 Vegetation Invasive Species Prior to the establishment of the Friends of East The native vegetation on the site is obscured by End, the cemetery was largely overrun with native invasives, including English ivy (Hedera helix), and invasive vegetation. Since 2013, the volunteers kudzu (Pueraria montana), and Chinese privet have worked tirelessly to remove the overgrowth (Ligustrum sinense). These invasive species and restore the cemetery. negatively aff ect the landscape’s ecosystem, soil composition, and habitat for wildlife. These vines Ornamental plants found in the landscape include strangle trees and inhibit access to certain areas of Osage orange trees (Maclura pomifera) and yucca the site. The cemetery volunteers have cleared large (Yucca fi lamentosa). The groundcovers are shade- portions of the site of kudzu and other invasives tolerant species including ivy, vinca, and mosses. and are working to clear along the western portion Lichens and moss grow on trees and gravestones. of the cemetery. Though invasive species negatively aff ect the ecosystem, they have been protecting Hazardous vegetation includes trees at risk of portions of the cemetery from vandals and natural falling and damaging graves and species that processes, such as erosion. will kill standing vegetation. Healthy vegetation brings life and color to the site. Some of the non- Progress invasive species were initially planted (yucca), but Since 2013, most of the more level parts of the others have grown naturally (ferns). These off er an cemetery have been cleared and are consistently example of the cultural infl uences and successional maintained. Areas with severe slopes and within forest that have overtaken East End Cemetery. the drainage ravine and drainage areas still contain invasive species.

1 Legend

1 Large specimen tree with 2 hollows and dead branches

2 English ivy on trees

3 Unsafe leaning tree

3

56 EAST END CEMETERY MASTER PLAN EXISTING VEGETATION

Interstate-64

Stony Run

Stony Run Pkwy

East End Cemetery

Colored Paupers Cemetery

Gillies

Bulheller/EvergreenCreek Road

Henrico RecyclingCounty

Stony Run City of Richmond

Legend Boundary Forested Ravine and Invasive Species Cemetery Path Cleared and Maintained Open Lawn Street Forested, Cultural, and Invasive Species Parcel Boundary Forested Slope and Invasive Species Richmond City Boundary Cleared & Maintained Area, Native Existing Contours Trees, Cultural and Invasive Species Waterway 0’ 45’ 90’ 180’

N SCALE: 1”: 180’

EXISTING CONDITIONS OVERVIEW 57 3.12 Cemetery Precedents

Other cemeteries provide precedents for East End Cemetery, showing the possible amenities, resources, and solutions that may be available for the site.

Legend On-Site Information Kiosk or Maintenance Building Visitor Center P Parking (designated) Walking Tours Chapel/Refl ective Space Restrooms Programmed Activities/ Arboretum Events i Information Database Adjacency to water/stream Defi ned Boundary P Parking is designated along Bulheller/Evergreen Road. Additional parking and street parking must avoid harming grave sites.

On-site signage is minimal, and wayfi nding and self- guides are considerations for easy navigation and information.

There are currently no walking tours on-site.

Activities at East End Cemetery currently include clean-up volunteer eff orts. Other cemeteries have East End Cemetery incorporated photo contests, historic events, and • Established 1897 other gatherings. • 16 acres

• African American There are no maintenance structures on-site. • Richmond, Virginia

Compared to other cemeteries of similar size, East End Cemetery also has the potential to celebrate its signifi cant history and environment.

58 EAST END CEMETERY MASTER PLAN P

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Randolph Cemetery African American Burial • Established 1872 Grounds at Historic Oakland • Initially a part of Elmwood Cemetery Cemetery • Land purchased by Randolph Cemetery • Established 1850 Association from Elmwood Cemetery owner • Within Historic Oakland Cemetery • Resting place of many notable African American fi gures • National Register of Historic Places, 1976 • 4 acres • 3.5 acres • Columbia, South Carolina • Atlanta, Georgia

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Mount Zion and Female Greenwood Cemetery Union Cemetery • Established 1874 • Mount Zion est. in 1808 • First commercial non-sectarian cemetery for • Female Union est. in 1842 African Americans in the St. Louis area • Adjacent to Oak Hill Cemetery • 31.85 acres • Two cemeteries, managed as one • National Register of Historic Places, 2/26/2004 • 3 acres total (1.5 acres each) • St. Louis, Missouri • Georgetown, Virginia

EXISTING CONDITIONS OVERVIEW 59 3.13 Opportunities and Challenges

East End Cemetery has opportunities and The north and primary access to the East End challenges unique to the site, the existing features, Cemetery (and Historic Evergreen Cemetery, just and its history. to the south) is via Bulheller/Evergreen Road from Stony Run Parkway and would be maintained A large portion of the cemetery adjacent to as the primary gateway. The southern access Bulheller/Evergreen Road is maintained and from Historic Evergreen Cemetery would be cleared of invasive species, a result of signifi cant maintained as a secondary access point to East eff orts by the Friends of East End Cemetery, a End. Reinforcing and paving the existing Bulheller/ volunteer-led organization. Toward the west Evergreen Road will improve access to both and southwest parts of the cemetery, the grid cemeteries. There is the potential to allow small and spatial organization breaks down due to maintenance vehicles to access the U-loop and for disinterred and reinterred graves, the se ling it to accommodate carts for visitors with mobility of soil and grave markers, missing gravestones, disabilities. Parking is a challenge in East End. unknown/unmarked burials, the topography Clearly defi ning the designated parking along undulation, drainages areas, steep slopes, and Bulheller/Evergreen Road would help to prevent dense vegetation not yet fully cleared, which damage to existing graves that parallel the road. makes it more diffi cult to demarcate, restore, and Be er defi ning and restoring the existing historic maintain the existing features. Collecting further paths and walks will improve circulation to the documentation of the cemetery layout and creating graves. a more accurate grave location map utilizing GIS is currently in progress.

60 EAST END CEMETERY MASTER PLAN There is opportunity to highlight and interpret the In summary, East End Cemetery best lends itself existing features of the cemetery by integrating fi rst as a reverent space that honors and respects wayfi nding and interpretive signage throughout those that are interred there and their families the site. The Evergreen Master Plan identifi es and descendants. Providing improved and site- the Teardrop parcel just north of East End and appropriate access within the existing circulation Bulheller/Evergreen Road as a potential location pa ern, thoughtful interpretation, and respectful for a small visitor center. This visitor center could tours will enhance the visitor and educational serve Evergreen, East End, and the Colored experience. Paupers Cemetery as a visitor orientation and welcome center with minimal parking. Information on formal tours, self-guided tours, and brochures, maps, and access to a grave database would be available. Any new structures proposed in the master plan would not be implemented without fi rst verifying the absence of any cultural features and gravesites. A small restroom would ideally be included to eliminate the need for port-a-po ies within Evergreen Cemetery. This would require expanding water and sanitary lines to the Teardrop parcel, as well as electric lines for the visitor center and minimal area lighting.

EXISTING CONDITIONS OVERVIEW 61