News Summary
The Lazenby family has successfully preserved the Fishing Creek Place Cemetery, a site for enslaved individuals in York County, South Carolina. By acquiring and marking 144 graves, they honor the cultural heritage of those buried there. Their efforts include legal measures to safeguard the site and outreach to descendants to ensure historical recognition. The family invites the public to visit the cemetery, while a local stonecutter has crafted durable slate headstones to commemorate each grave, marking an important step in connecting with often-overlooked history.
Rock Hill, South Carolina – A local family has taken significant steps to preserve a historical cemetery for enslaved individuals in York County. Andrew Lazenby and his family sought to purchase a piece of property in the area that included a wooded section, purportedly housing an enslaved cemetery. Their commitment to preservation began when Andrew Lazenby reached out to the property owner on the same night he learned of the potential burial site.
Upon acquiring the land, the family commissioned a ground-penetrating radar survey to investigate the area. Surprisingly, the investigation revealed the presence of 144 graves instead of the initially expected 12. Each grave has been marked with a slate headstone, inscribed merely with a number due to the absence of known names.
The cemetery, now known as Fishing Creek Place Cemetery, features a protective fence adorned with symbols from the Andinkra-West African tradition, signifying respect for the cultural heritage of those buried there. To safeguard the site from future development, the Lazenby family placed the land under a conservation easement. This legal agreement ensures that the property will remain preserved for generations to come.
In addition to the conservation efforts, the Lazenby family has taken steps to enhance the cemetery’s identification. Metal pins have been installed at each corner of the graves to facilitate future recognition through metal detection. Recognizing the historical importance of the site, the family also hired a historian to research and connect with potential descendants of the individuals buried there.
Through outreach to descendants of local plantation families, the Lazenbys have cultivated a cooperative network, allowing for essential information retrieval. One such descendant, Sarah Lowry, initially harbored doubts about her lineage but later confirmed her connection to the cemetery. Finding strength in its historical significance, Lowry expressed both sadness over the lack of recognition of the site for so long and gratitude that “their voices have been heard” now that history has been acknowledged.
The Lazenby family has opened the cemetery to the public, allowing interested visitors to schedule free tours by contacting them via email. This initiative not only honors the memory of those who were buried there but also aims to educate others about this part of local history.
Further enhancing the cemetery, the family commissioned J. David Gillespie, a local stonecutter, to create the slate headstones for each grave. Gillespie emphasized the resilience of slate stone, which is more durable than softer materials like marble that tend to deteriorate over time. Originally anticipated to last a year, Gillespie completed the project within a few months, motivated by its cultural and historical importance.
Gillespie’s craftsmanship extends to various cemeteries, deeply connecting his work to the lives memorialized therein. His commitment, combined with the Lazenby family’s dedication, has ensured that the Fishing Creek Place Cemetery stands as a solemn reminder of the area’s past, honoring the enslaved individuals who once lived and labored on the land.
This collaborative effort represents a significant step in recognizing and preserving an often overlooked aspect of history, providing a resting place for those who were historically marginalized and forgotten. The importance of such preservation cannot be understated as communities seek to understand and reflect on their legacies.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
U.S. Army Celebrates 250th Anniversary with Grand Festivities
Historic Brattonsville Unveils Enslaved Ancestral Burial Ground
Additional Resources
- WLTX
- Herald Online
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: History of Slavery in the United States
- WWAY TV3
- Google Search: Historic Cemeteries in South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
