Alexandria African American Heritage Park
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
Historical Significance
The Alexandria African American Heritage Park is a nine-acre public space in Alexandria, Virginia. The park serves as a memorial to the contributions of African Americans to the city's history and growth.
At the heart of the park lies a one-acre 19th century African American cemetery, known as the Black Baptist Cemetery. Of the more than 20 known burials on this site, six identified headstones remain in their original locations.
Memorial Features
The focal point of the park is a sculpture group called "Truths That Rise From the Roots Remembered," created by Washington, D.C. sculptor Jerome Meadows. This formation of bronze trees acknowledges the contributions of African Americans to Alexandria's development.
Additional smaller sculptures throughout the park commemorate historic African American neighborhoods and individuals buried on the site. The park's design incorporates and preserves the original landscape of the cemetery.
Natural Environment
The park features a wetland area that provides habitat for various wildlife, including mallards, painted turtles, beavers, and crayfish. This natural space coexists with the memorial aspects of the park, creating a diverse environment for visitors to explore.
Park History
Dedicated on June 17, 1995, the Alexandria African American Heritage Park was established as part of the Carlyle Development and serves as a satellite site for the Alexandria Black History Museum. The park offers a peaceful setting for reflection on the city's African American history and provides educational opportunities through its sculptures and preserved cemetery.
