In 2022, the City was notified that it been selected for the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office‘s (SHPO) 2022 Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) Grant to hire a surveying firm to conduct an archaeological survey of the historic African American section of the Lexington City Cemetery. After reviewing proposals from 6 qualified firms, the City of Lexington announced Richard Grubb & Associates, Inc. as the selected firm.  

On July 6, 2023, Richard Grubb & Associates, Inc. conducted a geophysical survey using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) at the identified site in the City Cemetery. The site is approximately 3,800 sf and located in the oldest portion of the cemetery. It is a vacant space with a singular marker atop a rough stone pyramid that states that slaves were buried there before the civil war.  Geophysical Specialist Cayla Cannon, BA, performed the fieldwork with assistance from Archaeologist Dylan Zedaker, MA. The public was invited to observe the fieldwork and ask questions of Cayla Cannon. Over 30 community members and five news outlets attended. 

The following report provides the GPR survey findings and methodology. This report will be presented to City Council at their regular meeting on Monday, November 27, 2023. A representative from Richard Grubb & Associates, Inc. will also be present to speak about the report and answer questions from Council. 

Geophysical Survey Using GPR - Lexington City Cemetery - African American Section