Hidden Slave Cemetery Found in The Woods (Huge Abandoned Graveyard)

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

This was an incredible adventure in this old cemetery. I had no idea how large this place would turn out to be, or how much history was hidden within! On this part 2 we explore the enslaved people’s burial ground in this old graveyard. It was almost unbelievable to see t multitude of unmarked graves. Support Sidestep Adventures: Patreon.com/SidestepAdventures PayPal Tip Jar: www.paypal.me/rwrightphotography Huge shoutout to Robert for support! My flashlights: US amzn.to/3dh4UDf UK amzn.to/3bDxVHY

[@nancysantamarialatica1141]

The knowledge of history , stories that your friend shares is amazing wow Thanks new friend . Cool 😎

[@robertforrest7956]

Must have been very sad to bury your loved ones with no markers or such. 😢

[@RhettyforHistory]

Nice little cemetery explore! Sad they ruined the road to it.

[@haroldcampbell3337]

"History is slowly being destroyed by people who are ignorant." The saddest but truest quote I've heard today.

[@Kimtwister]

agreeeeed

[@lynpowell8532]

That is so true. It is like our past history does not matter at all to so many people. I have always loved history and historic objects. The conditions of the cemeteries you have been to it is sad knowing how forgotten the ones buried there are. They mattered at one time. Yes, God knows who each and everyone buried there is. Slave owners did not care but God sure did and still does. I am a 71 year old white woman and seeing that cemetery broke my heart. RIP to all buried there and those in other neglected grave sites.

[@grivers5517]

Such a shame as there is so much to learn from the past.

[@kimmyles444]

The Native Americans treat their ancestral burial grounds as sacred grounds. We could honestly learn from their beliefs. This burial site is heartbreaking as these people once were existing souls as also should be honored in some matter. At least a sign marking the site as a cemetery and a history of those who once existed.

[@Tomatohater64]

Your comment about Native Americans is spot on.

[@lindar.1618]

It's apparent, man cannot see its own dynesty...

[@TheresaRyan2283]

Couldn’t agree with you more we have come a long way from enslaving people. Perhaps the mayor of the town could organise at least clearing the mess off the graves and then put a white cross by each and every grave. Not stupid enough to believe that they kept a record of all the enslaved people who died and were buried there. At least some respect can be shown clear the area and a cross just in acknowledgement that these people existed

[@barbarajenkins4294]

Some of the native American s graves have been disterbed to and distroyed

[@grivers5517]

You are so right. We just had an old cemetery in Richmond Va that was vandalized. They went thru and busted up many memorials. It was over $200,000 damage this past weekend.

[@Malien-xr7ux]

I like how you say “enslaved people” it sounds much more respectful somehow. 😔

[@gothempress]

It's because you're recognizing that "enslaved" is an adjective describing a _person_ instead of simply being called a slave, indicating one is only property. 🖤

[@jaytay8637]

Yes, I noticed that and it does sound much more respectful than the usual 'Slaves' emphasises that they were 'people' like you or I.

[@grivers5517]

@@gothempress Enslaved could also have been indentured servants that passed and they were not as valuable as a slave. Many of my relatives were indentured servants and we are still looking for their graves and most likely will never find. .

[@rosalynphillipson7942]

I really appreciate how respectful you are of all graves. It grieves me that the enslaved individuals warrented nothing more than a field stone.

[@joanfos4890]

Many of my ancestors only have a field stone. It is sad

[@jeniw8586]

So many unnamed people....so sad.

[@sarahlutz5111]

Jesus knows their names. They are with Him now.

[@susans3266]

All of those people had names and it breaks my heart that we will never know who they were. Thank you Robert for being so respectful of the graves.

[@cornerstone403]

If this part is a slave cemetery, they were treated in life like they have been treated in death. The name didn't matter, if they were bestowed with one at all. Just as their graves are unmarked so as not to know a loved one of someone is buried there, If a person lives, but even a second on this earth before they are taken, they deserve a name.

[@goodgracious6364]

It's very strange how slaves were made to believe in Christ, yet they were treated like their lives didn't really matter in this world. That always puzzled me.

[@markzimmerman7279]

A lot of American soldiers are buried in unknown graves ,there were unknown soldiers from the battle of Gettysburg sent to every cemetery in the country or so I have heard ,the Lord knows.

[@gigicostlow4414]

@@markzimmerman7279 There are graves of unknown civil war soldiers in a cemetery by my house where a lot of my family is buried. In a cemetery where my great grandparents are buried there are graves of unknown people that have markers that say,"Known Only To God" which I think are nice.

[@markzimmerman7279]

@@gigicostlow4414 it kind of makes me wonder if the government was trying to cover up the real number of soldiers that were killed scattering them around the country like that.

[@gigicostlow4414]

@@markzimmerman7279 It's hard to tell. The ones buried by my house aren't from Gettysburg. There was a small battle on my family's land and surrounding area or so I have been told. Civil war articles have been found on our land including a CSA buckle and several musket balls.

[@nancysantamarialatica1141]

Huge follower here. And I love these walks Robert and new friend . It gets me when you say their names once more guy . B safe but keep it up . Thanks man

[@emmadalrymple4102]

Robert and Robert...you are both like walking encyclopedias ! Time is a previous commodity, even for our dead. Keep the searches going. 👍🏻💕

[@Brianthehistorynerd]

Robert is absolutely right about history being slowly destroyed. It’s really sad.

[@marthakierstead3415]

This video just blows my mind at how large this cemetery is and the number of forgotten souls . Thank again Robert for taking us along

[@wandamiller7640]

Thank you so much for finding these old cemetery’s God bless you both.

[@rubenrubinos982]

TY For The Walk Robert, Incredible find. The Gentleman You were with is correct history is being erased.

[@Jules_70]

Just found your channel in the UK. The respect you show the passed souls is lovely to watch .Your camera went out of focus a couple of times. Highly likely spirit activity.

[@evevening7995]

Hi Robert, there must be hundreds of of graves there with out no markers, I have got 3 dogs layed to rest in my backyard all have markers, its such a shame to see these people have been forgotten.

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

Sad these folks never be known and so forgotten Atleast we know they are there thanks to you both

[@JudithTipton]

Thank you for doing what you do! My Dad started out as a preacher and became an American History professor after which we moved from rural Illinois to just about as south as one can get (into a "big" city)! I met my husband working there and he was from Columbus. I find your activities very interesting. Dad did a lot of Civil Rights work in the early '60's and beyond. So, again, thank you!

[@cherrysmart3500]

💕

[@richardduncan2795]

This is really sad. Hopefully a historical society around there can work on preserving this cemetery. It's history.

[@bethshadid2087]

We may never know who these people are but I can guarantee you GOD knows each and every one 🤴🌬️🌈🙏

[@missourimom9140]

That's exactly what I was thinking. God loved and valued slaves every bit as much as He loved the wealthy plantation owners. God doesn't care about skin color, only the content of our hearts.

[@lynnebunning7273]

Beth Shadid Amen 🙏🏼 (🇦🇺🐨🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡)

[@kyzf]

If God existed, let alone cared, he wouldn't have allowed them to die as slaves, or enabled white slavers to profit off the blood and tears of other humans. If slavery was part of God's plan, then that's not a God I want in my life.

[@pullimau8555]

@@missourimom9140 but god somehow cared about religion?

[@whiterabbit-wo7hw]

It's also sad that developers don't care about what's on the land only that they can build. What a shame!

[@ameliatoreson1590]

Is there anyway that cemetery can't be fenced off with a sign so people know that there is a cemetery there ? All these people have been forgotten .

[@paulocorreiafilho]

I'm really impressed by the number of old cemeteries hidden in the woods in Georgia. I live in Brazil and never heard of any cemetery like this in here.

[@lindahiggins9295]

I really find your adventures so interesting, I love history. Thank you for your content. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

[@colleencrane4843]

So Heartbreaking, I know I've said it before, but you can't help hurt for these ssd's souls, as always a great video Robert. .Thank you for sharing.

[@lydafrazier7764]

This is a very large cemetery. Absolutely beautiful. I thank you for bringing such beauty and love to the world. BLESS them🙏🙏🙏💙💙

[@susanorr7535]

Amazing how many graves are here

[@artcflowers]

Thanks for the tiny scorpion looksee. You gents are great to find this huge old cemetery.

[@Teresa-f2h]

So sad that these places are not kept up

[@Carolbearce]

Thank you for sharing this with us. Love seeing these old lost cemeteries. So glad you document them.

[@sharonbroadnax-ansbach2881]

This is so sad. If you’re truly interested. Ridgeway Virginia has so many slave cemeteries. My mom is from there and she told me that she knows quite a bit of them hidden in the woods. Could you check it out?

[@ianbennett1491]

Thanks for these wonderful videos.So interesting. Iain Leeds Yorkshire England.

[@goodgracious6364]

Thanks for showing such great respect for this old burial ground!

[@pamelashiflett5281]

Love it when you bring the other Robert, he's a walking historian. Really enjoy his stories.

[@GoDawgs18]

It’s sad that these aren’t kept up and preserved

[@joanfos4890]

$$$

[@WazigeLogica]

I get what you're saying since these people lived quite recently and it would be a loving gesture of respect.. In the greater scheme of things though.. Billions of us are alive today and will pass one day in the future.. And billions and billions came and went before us.. All of our physical bodies will be one with the earth one day.. Dust to dust, no sign of us or of who we were. Quite peaceful to look at it that way I think.. This existence which for many is/ was filled with pain is gone and forgotten one day.. As our souls keep on keeping on in other realms that are hopefully lighter and more loving..

[@aneb.5529]

I would like to see my tax dollars spent for restoring these graves .

[@joellenbroetzmann9053]

I have ancestors buried in slave graves. It is very sad to think about the fact I can't even visit their graves.

[@douglasandrie9314]

Robert, you are a kind soul. Thanks

[@JanRaz1955]

I found something like this behind my old house in Gwinnett Co. ..now there are new houses..I loved that place.

[@28mark]

God bless their souls, known only to God

[@patmaddux.9962]

I really like your channel and the history that you tell. Keep up your great work.

[@dawndietz4654]

Amazing Robert. Such a fantastic discovery. Hopefully now that y’all have documented the cemetery it can be marked off properly and saved from distruction!

[@chrisiiams4303]

Thank you for sharing your great information and documenting this cemetery.

[@mcwatersd]

It is so sad to see that people were buried with no recognition. Not even a name. So many souls lost indefinitely. The descendants of these people have no idea of their past. .It would be nice to have the perimeter of this cemetery marked off some how and a Historical sign placed indicating this is a cemetery of the slaves from the plantation etc. Keep Safe❤Keep Well❤

[@jaytay8637]

I really appreciate the respect shown to the people who are buried and also the kindness shown to any small creatures disturbed during the scraping .

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

Thank You Both Robert and Robert, for this super interesting story contained in this cemetery! Thank You also for your respect an honoring of these ancestors! Peace! DaveyJO in Pa.

[@lydafrazier7764]

There is so much lost love ones in this world. You are awesome 😊 thanks for your help BLESS YOU All 😇🙏😇🙏💙💙

[@texasgina]

I cried when I saw the slave cemetery with unmarked graves when I was at the Charlestown Landing historical site. In Charleston, SC

[@sombergirl2886]

I love watching all these videos like this y'all be careful out there. This might sound weird but I love the sound hearing you walk thru the woods ,leaves,& stuff like that

[@mbp1889]

Thank you for using the term “enslaved people” instead of “slaves”. It shows a lot of respect for acknowledging the history of enslavement in America.

[@susanfurman]

It's heartbreaking,these were people who are forgotten! They should be remembered and honored.

[@user-randi1987]

Good video, Robert. Sad there is no way of knowing the names of the people buried here

[@fayorendorf4234]

I love and watch your videos all the time. So interesting and informative. I've learned a lot from your explanation. Great job💞 But i have a question. Andy Henline, wondering if he's any relation to my family in Wv. I live in Delaware. Would love to know. Take care and have a blessed day.

[@johngallagher2313]

Every cemetery deserves to be respected regardless of the persons station in life. All people will be truly equal in death.

[@goodgracious6364]

Yep, death is the great equalizer!

[@markzimmerman7279]

And battlefields are cemeteries yet they are also being forgotten

[@johngallagher2313]

@@markzimmerman7279 Very true. We visited the Vicksburg Battlefield a couple years ago and the condition of the park is a disgrace. The Park Service should be ashamed.

[@JadinaPatron]

Robert & Robert u guys do great job i wish i could. Find the patron cemetery I'll be watching I'm in Richmond, va. Jadina Patron

[@brendabernstein286]

I am sooooooo amazed at how y'all can tell the graves on site. Y'all rock.

[@gretagreer5408]

Thank you and your fellow workers in finding the graves of slavers. It is interesting to know they were buried even without their names on a headstone. Again, thanks!

[@karenawagner2691]

This is so sad that these graves weren’t marked,it just makes me cry,God bless all these souls buried in this woods.

[@sandrastecker1722]

Robert an robert yu guys are amazing guys an have big hearts

[@mickid3705]

Fascinating and sad. And I really love your videos

[@lindamccaughey6669]

Well Robert that was fantastic. Shame you didn’t find foundations but gosh you found so much there. It’s a shame history isn’t revered coz it should be. Thanks for taking me along. Please stay safe

[@mikeedwards2384]

Very interesting to look back in time there is an old abandoned children's site in the woods close to our house I have been wanting to go put something around to keep the logging machinery from running over the graves we have found so far

[@frankscarborough1428]

Keep safe. Enjoyed Elise (franks mom)😊

[@howardwest1347]

It makes me feel very sad that all those wonderful people weren’t considered important enough to at least put a cross with their name on it. Without those wonderful human beings their plantations wouldn’t have survived, their meals not cooked and their children not raised. But because of Robert and his wonderful friends even though their names are not known they are remembered and honored. Thank you Robert for your wonderful sensitive narration. Your concern comes through loud and clear. You are an old soul in a young body. We thank you for care.

[@disco07]

Fascinating stuff. Often wondered what happened to the millions of dead enslave peoples. Was there any organized burial or just dig a hole and leave. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@daunehartman4679]

Thanks for keeping history alive by finding these graves of the slaves.Keep doing what you guys do

[@keithhans8859]

hi guys you are great i liked it very much

[@BeeWOWdbyAprilLee]

Love all your adventures. Thank you.

[@gigicostlow4414]

A wonderful explore. My guess is that all of the graves were marked at one time. Maybe by crude crosses made by the person's family or even the plantation owner. And with stones like you mentioned. There's probably more stones than you see. Could be buried under dirt and leaves. There's unknown people buried at an old cemetery my great grandparents are at. The graves are marked with a stone and someone had little signs made that say. "Only God Knows". I love these little markers. These would be nice for you to use for unmarked graves you come across. Especially one like this one.

[@andreaedginwynn9171]

Gigi Costlow That is a lovely idea!

[@robydaniels2318]

This is also so sad 😥 so many lives were wasted and forgot. I wish somebody would start of society for the forgotten slaves. To clean up the graveyards and at least put one marker. What you're doing Robert is amazing thank you.

[@Miss449686]

So sad that this place is almost lost in time. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@pamelapurcell187]

Thank you again for taking us with you. So very interesting. I wonder what it looked like 200 hundred ago? So do u think their bodies are still ok deep in the ground? Bless you for doing all this.

[@rs91268]

first keep those videos coming

[@stevebell6454]

Much love good works.

[@bethbabson7421]

Even Hattie McDaniels' family graves aren't marked in Colorado.

[@abaronsir5851]

Interesting video, thanks for sharing

[@marypettitt9150]

There's some information about Josiah B. Harper on Ancestry. He was born in North Carolina. He served with the 4th Georgia Regiment (Jones) militia as a private [Jones may have been the person who organized that regiment, or perhaps that was the company name.]. He is in the War of 1812 records. The 1830 census gives his household as 2 adults, 2 young boys and 2 young girls. The total of this household was 6 persons, indicating that he was not a slaveholder. Both the 1831 and 1843 tax rolls listed him with no taxable assets. The 1850 census gives his age as 63. His wife Nancy's age age was 47, who was also born in North Carolina. There were 3 sons listed: Seaborn, George W., and Elijah. He did not own real estate in 1850. He was not listed in the 1860 census, so I am assuming he died before that time. I think Nancy died before him, since her stone has more information. I'm guessing the stones were purchased together. He faithfully used his middle initial, probably to distinguish himself from another Josiah Harper of the same county. They were buried in the Mount Olive Baptist Cemetery.

[@marygarner5249]

So Sad what time doesn't destroy people do love the History you guys are saving on tape before it's lost for ever

[@tomhirons7475]

The perspective is 200 people, probably worked half to death against there will and all they get is a rock. Shamefull. Thank you for finding these people .

[@dhurley8522]

Robert.. you should really come to Long Island, NY someday, after we get a real handle on this pandemic. There are so many cemeteries with so much history. You would enjoy it and find it enthralling 👍🏻👌🏻

[@christinehallet6472]

If the area was being clear cut by logging companies, couldn’t the field stones have been disturbed and moved around by the loggers equipment?

[@lalablack6038]

I wonder also if they could excavate one and do a DNA test to match it up with some of the DNA from ancestry...

[@dianeguerrero2574]

I had the same thought. There's a lot of shows searching for relatives. I don't like to assume, but i do hope their putting in a claim to do so.

[@robertharrell7948]

LaL a Black , you need a Judge ( court order ) to excavate a grave . We do not disrupt what we find. We are only exploring and video documenting what we see and find. Thank You for watching and we hope that this video will help others take a interest in our past history .

[@lalablack6038]

@@robertharrell7948 I know the court procedure, I was just thinking aloud as a black person. My family would definitely give a name and a proper burial for any DNA match. 🖤

[@sherronbell4961]

Incredible video and cemetery .

[@chrisiiams4303]

I’m so glad you both were looking for the Dr. and his granddaughter and this Hugh cemetery. It sickens me the way our Blacks were treated but I also know this is history and this can not be changed as any other history like Hitler history it’s just such a shame so many family members will never know who they are related too

[@shelveyphillipsbowman8037]

You do such a fine job to keep history alive.all u just are so respectful of the deceased.i pray for your safety from all God's creatures.

[@brendakrieger7000]

Great video!

[@AYWalton]

What state and county is this cemetery located? You mentioned an old estate---where was it located? Such places are so important and souls long gone deserve to be remembered. I would love to know more. Thank you for your work.

[@Seraphim4190]

Pretty sure this is in Georgia. Try sending him an email to ask the exact location. I had seen in a comment on another video about another enslaved peoples cemetery that he doesn't give out the exact locations in the video to prevent vandalism and he asked the commenter who wanted to know the location to email him.

[@m.e.c.1007]

I'm assuming because there are graves these lands cannot be used for anything else? I do know sometimes they will dig up as many bones as possible and place them in another area, but there just seems to be so many forgotten graves. Very sad.

[@lalablack6038]

I wonder if the state can excavate one of the enslaved people graves to see if they were buried in a pine box or just their bodies.

[@dhurley8522]

LaLa Black Green burials, I’m sure. They have returned to the earth. Let them rest. 🙏🏻

[@marydineen1669]

I think I understand LaLaBlack that possibly that not even a coffin was provided. However, as Christians we learn that the body is just a shell for the eternal Soul that lives on with our creator and God. I hope that gives you some comfort. 😔

[@Fixing2snap]

This is so sad! I live in Upstate of SC, I don’t know how far this form me but I would love to come and help clean and make this graves!

[@TS-bn7zt]

Many thanks guys, fascinating history there.

[@jamielieberg7053]

Robert, I gave you some information on the cemetery on your fist video also a listing for some of the slaves are on that too maybe that can help the families that posted them would also know more too they are also listed here is it again Mount Olive Baptist Cemetery Mulberry Grove, Harris County, Georgia there are 21 added graves and as I read some for the slaves I hope you and your family stay safe and healthy here is the website Peace out @t

[@Deb-c8b]

Bless you guys. 💌

[@alanatolstad4824]

Pioneers of all ages are opportunists...they took advantage of the materials at hand. When our original Spanish mission was destroyed by earthquake, the padres moved the Mission farther north. The remnants of the destroyed mission were used by the survivors over the years, and what little remains is now in a neighborhood.

[@Drpermer]

Love your shows! Always interesting! I am a bit baffled by the fact that graves from the 1800's show such deep indentations. Over time, I would think that leaves and other organic matter would settle in such areas, due to wind, and decompose to either partially or fully fill these in. It would be interesting to know what a predicted indentation would be based on age of the grave, body size, forested vs non-forested, etc. Thanks for all your work!

[@kathym5307]

So sad! To bad the county couldn't put up a monument, to those that died, on that plantation. Very interesting adventure. Thank you.

[@vmw33]

This happening around Warner Robins. We have a slave cemetary on the middle of a Walmart parking lot. So sad

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Wow... As in it’s under the parking lot now? Or does it still exist?

[@dougholtz]

these graves are sunken. silly question: were the entombed in a coffin or just placed in a dug-out grave without casket?

[@carolb29]

I wondered the same thing

[@PsyphaX09]

Not a silly question at all, been wondering myself too.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Generally comes from the decay and eventual collapse of a wooden coffin

[@jaytay8637]

Usually just a plain, pine coffin if they were lucky, often just some sort of sheet. So sad.

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Robert, that is so incredibly sad that the enslaved people of the time were not commemorated, even if it was a rock with just a first name and death year would be something. Thank you for sharing. xx

[@sherridiestel1290]

Can I ask why you all don't put up the white crosses when you come to the unmarked graves? I have just been curious for a while and wanted to ask. Thank you in advance.

[@hankfacer7098]

Thanks Robert Harold