West Point Cemetery (Norfolk, Virginia)

West Point Cemetery, also known as Potter's Field and Calvary Cemetery, is a historic cemetery and national historic district located at Norfolk, Virginia. It encompasses three contributing sites, one contributing structure, and one contributing object in an African American graveyard in downtown Norfolk. The cemetery was established in 1873, and includes a grouping of headstones marking the remains of 58 black soldiers and sailors who served in the American Civil War, and a monument honoring these veterans stands over their graves. Other notable elements include the Potter's Field, O’Rourke Mausoleum, and the West Point Cemetery entry sign.[3]

West Point Cemetery
Location238 E. Princess Anne Rd., Norfolk, Virginia
Coordinates36°51′36″N 76°17′03″W
Area14 acres (5.7 ha)
Built1873 (1873)
ArchitectO'Rourke
Architectural styleCemetery
NRHP reference No.07000393[1]
VLR No.122-5181
Significant dates
Added to NRHPMay 3, 2007
Designated VLRMarch 7, 2007[2]

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.[1] It is contiguous with Elmwood Cemetery, listed in 2013.

West Point Monument

Dedicated in 1906, the monument was built as a tribute to African American veterans of both the Civil War and Spanish–American War. The Civil War soldier depicted on the top of the West Point Monument is Norfolk native Sergeant William H. Carney of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment.

James Fuller (1846-1909) was the primary force behind the monument's installation. Fuller was a former slave and a Civil War Veteran quartermaster in the First United States Colored Cavalry, and was later elected as the first black Norfolk City Councilman.[4][5]

gollark: > “We thought my poor grandmother’s remains had been buried in accordance with her wishes,” growls Elizabeth’s direct descendant, Catherine Gratwick. “Can’t you let her rest in peace? This is her body that you’re messing with. You can’t just irradiate and poison her; you must ask me first! How would you like it if your family’s remains were exhumed and mutilated? You must never use cells from deceased people without the explicit pre-mortem consent of the patient or their relatives. As for granny - I insist that all remaining samples of her be buried, and that you financially compensate her family for the pain and grief you have caused!”
gollark: > Two generations ago, scientists took a biopsy of a tumor from a cancer patient named Elizabeth Gratwick, who died soon after. Without her knowledge or consent, these cells were preserved in the laboratory and proved to be exceptionally stable in replication. As stable cancer cell lines are highly useful for medical research, “ElGr cells” have been sent to and used by scientists all over the world. However, objections are now being raised by Elizabeth’s descendants.
gollark: Now I need to answer a question!
gollark: And top 1% for crime.
gollark: * 0.8%

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. "Virginia Landmarks Register". Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved 19 March 2013.
  3. Tommy L. Bogger (August 2006). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: West Point Cemetery" (PDF). Virginia Department of Historic Resources. and Accompanying four photos
  4. "West Point Mounument, Norfolk, Virginia - American Civil War Monuments and Memorials on Waymarking.com". www.waymarking.com. Retrieved 2017-08-18.
  5. lunchcountersitin (2011-05-30). "Monuments to the United States Colored Troops (USCT) [African American Civil War Soldiers]: The List". Jubilo! The Emancipation Century. Retrieved 2017-08-18.


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