Richmond Struggles to Develop Visitation Plan for Mass Confederate Gravesite

City-owned property in Manchester contains hundreds of Confederate soldier graves, but access remains limited.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Nearly nine months after Richmond officials revealed the discovery of hundreds of Confederate soldier graves beneath a city-owned property in Manchester, the city has yet to establish a plan to allow visitation for researchers or loved ones. The property, which contains a Department of Public Utilities gas booster substation, continues to be actively used by the city despite recommendations to avoid future ground disturbances.

Why it matters

The mass Confederate gravesite represents an important historical find, but the city's lack of a visitation plan has prevented access for those seeking to research or honor their ancestors. The continued use of the property for utility purposes also raises concerns about potential further disturbance of the graves.

The details

In May 2025, a report commissioned by the city revealed the presence of 472 probable and 270 possible grave sites, totaling 742 graves, beneath the property at 2313 Wise St. Historical evidence suggests many of the burials are Confederate soldiers who died at nearby military hospitals during the Civil War. While the city said a visitation plan was in development, a spokesperson recently confirmed that no such plan has been finalized. The property, which includes the DPU gas booster substation, will continue to be actively used by the city, as recommended by the report to avoid future ground disturbances.

  • In late May 2025, Richmond officials released a report regarding the mass Confederate gravesite.
  • In mid-February 2026, a city spokesperson confirmed that a visitation plan remains in development.

The players

City of Richmond

The local government of Richmond, Virginia, which owns the property containing the mass Confederate gravesite and is responsible for developing a visitation plan.

Department of Public Utilities (DPU)

A city agency that operates a gas booster substation facility on the property containing the Confederate gravesite.

TerraSearch

A geophysical research firm that conducted the survey and provided recommendations to the city regarding the Confederate gravesite.

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What’s next

The city has stated it will announce a plan for visitation at the Confederate gravesite in the near future.

The takeaway

The ongoing lack of a visitation plan for this significant historical site highlights the challenges cities face in balancing the preservation of cultural heritage with the practical needs of modern infrastructure. Developing a thoughtful and inclusive approach to honoring the graves while respecting the property's current use will be crucial for Richmond moving forward.