RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Researchers at the University of Richmond believe a burial ground of enslaved Africans may lie beneath the campus.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch and The Collegian, the university's student newspaper, report researchers say they've discovered evidence suggesting an unknown number of slaves may be buried behind Puryear Hall.
Dywana Saunders, a research associate at one of the university's libraries, says a history book describes campus land that once belonged to lumber plantation-owner Ben Green, who likely owned slaves. A 1947 Richmond News Leader article added to the evidence, describing a small pile of bones that had been unearthed on campus.
Researchers say they hope a ground survey using radar technology will provide more answers.
President Ronald Crutcher said the university will continue conducting research on the site and create memorial plan.