The main difficulty with the archaeological team's approach to identifying this burial site arises from their focus on the age of the remains themselves. Because they were able to place the graves in a date range between 1850 and 1920, the researchers directed their historical records search to that period alone. Despite a thorough examination of the period's land and cemetery records, though, no information about this burial site could be located.

Using general information from the period, similar studies of cemeteries in other areas, historic land records, knowledge about the general time period, and sketchy information from the somewhat questionable memories of a former arsenal worker, the report's authors speculated on the origins of the unmarked, forgotten cemetery. However, their theories raised as many (if not more) questions than they answered, as the authors readily admitted in their introductory chapter (see excerpt below).

Why would property used primarily as farmland have 150 to 200 graves on it without some kind of record about such a sizeable cemetery? Why does no one from the Huntsville community remember this cemetery, especially a 96-year-old man who could provide all sorts of details about the area except the existence of this fairly large burial site? If the site was hidden in order to avoid an inconvenient 1925 local ordinance about the upkeep of cemeteries, why do several former residents have no knowledge of that fact?

The answers to these questions probably can be found in the Army's decision to build a chemical munitions manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama. When the Army came to town many things about the former communities contained within the new installation's boundaries were changed-some quickly and drastically; others more slowly over a longer period of time. By 1988, when the graves were uncovered preparatory to removal and reinterment, much about the arsenal reservation bore little resemblance to the pre-Army communities or even the WWII-era installation erected so quickly in 1941-1942.

Unfortunately, the archaeological study apparently never took into account the profound impact that this change of land ownership had on the people living in the area as well as on the remains of those who had once called this part of Madison County home. Nor did the study's principal investigators and researchers stop to consider that perhaps the Alabama Highway Department was not the only governmental entity that needed to relocate graves in order to complete a large-scale construction project.

During the course of another research project undertaken in 1994, the MICOM Historical Office unexpectedly uncovered information in the local newspaper, The Huntsville Times, that strongly suggests that it was the Army which created the supposedly historic "Elko Switch Cemetery." The available written records are still sketchy, but this interpretation of the known facts does fit the collective memory of there being no such cemetery prior to the Army's arrival.

As the following excerpts from the local newspaper and the Sparkman papers indicate, the Army originally intended to move not only the living but the dead off of its newly acquired reservation. When that plan proved impossible to implement, the Army decided to consolidate over 2300 graves on Huntsville Arsenal (a separate facility from neighboring Redstone Ordnance Plant) into one large cemetery set apart from the main administrative and manufacturing areas of the post. Pearl Harbor and subsequent legal complications concerning contracting precluded the completion of this plan as first envisioned, but some graves directly in the path of the original construction probably had to be moved. Although the original Quartermaster Corps contracts and Chemical Warfare Service records pertaining to the construction of Huntsville Arsenal are no longer available locally, it is reasonable to assume that some sort of removal/reburial arrangement was made with at least one of the two contractors who built the installation.

The Army made known publicly what it wanted to do with the graves on Huntsville Arsenal. Government officials probably began to implement these plans, at least to the extent necessary to accommodate the arsenal construction program. Because access to the arsenal was severely curtailed during WWII (as well as after the war), few people in the local community knew about the relocation of the graves to the reservation's northwest corner. The cemetery location work and public notices remembered by Mr. Driver (see report excerpts below) might well have been part of the Army's gravesite relocation plan.

With the war's end in August 1945 and the later departure of the Army Chemical Warfare Service from Huntsville, most of the people and records that could have shed some light on the "Elko Switch Cemetery" left, too. The Army Ordnance Corps officials who eventually took over Huntsville Arsenal may also have never known about the relocated graves. Certainly by 1965, when the graves were rediscovered by an earlier road construction project, authorities were once again aware of their existence.

Remains of 59 burials found in an unmarked and unrecorded cemetery in the I-565 right of way near Gate 9 will be reinterred on Redstone Arsenal following a historical examination.

The two-acre cemetery is located partly on Redstone Arsenal and partly on a right of way ceded by the Army to the state of Alabama.

An archaeological team from the University of Alabama located and opened the graves for the Highway Department and has taken the contents to Tuscaloosa for further study.

They believe tentatively that the cemetery was active in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, on the basis of coffin hardware, viewing windows, nails and other evidence. A couple of coins dated 1916 were found in one grave. Coffins were wooden and had disintegrated except for a few that were partially intact.

The cemetery is on land purchased by the Army in 1941 but does not appear on property records. It was discovered in 1965 during construction of the interchange at Rideout Road and Highway 20.

The part of the cemetery that is within Redstone Arsenal contains about 150 graves, a determination made by scraping away the topsoil layer. The 59 graves removed from the right of way will be relocated onto the arsenal with the others after researchers are through trying to determine who was buried there and when.

p. 1 Background to the Study

In 1965 the Alabama Highway Department inadvertently encountered several unmarked graves during construction of Rideout Road, approximately 1000 feet north of the Redstone Arsenal Gate No. 9, on the border between the southwest limits of the city of Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal. The undisturbed balance of the cemetery lies entirely on Arsenal property. Due to the graves being unmarked, not readily apparent and virtually unknown, impact was quite severe in some spots on the east periphery of the cemetery. Upon realizing what they had run into, officials halted operations. The soil was mechanically replaced to an adequate depth to protect the impacted remains. At this time the decision was made to relocate the highway 50 ft to the east to prevent additional impact.

The Alabama Highway Department notified this office in late 1987 of its intentions to redesign the interchange of Rideout Road and U.S. Alternate 72, thereby subjecting the remaining portion of the cemetery east of the Arsenal fence line to impact and destruction.

Extensive research has yielded scant information about the cemetery, the deceased or living relatives of the deceased. This fact enabled us to excavate and analyze methodically and carefully without the pressure of a tight reinterment deadline.

The historical background of the cemetery, unfortunately, proved to be an enigma. Despite extensive research by Ms. Jody Perroni and a media

p. 3 outreach campaign, only a few bits and pieces of relevant information were recovered. The fact that a cemetery of this size and age has resisted all efforts at identification and appears to be totally unrecorded and virtually unknown is strange indeed. One possible explanation is derived from information secured by Ms. Perroni via personal communication with Mr. Bill Driver of Huntsville, who responded to the media exposure. Mr. Driver was responsible for the location, identification and fencing of all cemeteries on Redstone Arsenal property in 1941. Mr. Driver hired a man named "Shorty" (he could not recall his last name) to help locate the cemeteries on the proposed Arsenal grounds. Shorty was seventy-nine years old in 1941 and knew the location of most of the graveyards on the Arsenal property that are presently protected. The project cemetery was not visible in 1941 according to Mr. Driver; however, Shorty knew there was a graveyard somewhere on the Chaney farm (the project area). Shorty informed Mr. Driver that the markers had been removed more than twenty years before (ca. 1920). Mr. Driver recalls Shorty mentioning that the cemetery may have been used in the early 1800s. The field was under cultivation in 1941 and the graveyard was not visible. It was never fenced off because the exact location was not known. Mr. Driver remembers Shorty stating "It was a good size graveyard."

In view of Shorty's recollections, coupled with the fact that the County of Madison (wherein lies the cemetery) passed a cemetery ordinance in 1925, an interesting theory is posed. Because the ordinance required marking and maintenance of existing cemeteries (which would devalue the property) it is conceivable that the landowner or a tenant knew beforehand of the imminent passing of the ordinance. By removing the tombstones and plowing the area the individual would not only escape these inconveniences but also acquire several more cultivatable acres. Another possibility is that the acreage was simply needed for cultivation and no protest was made. We know the cemetery was used as least as late as 1916 (1916 nickel recovered from Burial No. 1) and we are reasonably sure that the markers were removed and the field plowed sometime prior to 1925. This presents another question. Why was there no movement or protest to avoid destruction of such a recent cemetery? Even though sharecroppers moved frequently, it is highly unlikely that all relatives of the deceased moved away in such a short period of time. According to Ms. Perroni, Mr. Driver researched archives and sponsored newspaper stories in 1941. These efforts failed to identify the cemetery and there were no responses from friends or relatives. A search for a map recording of the cemetery, as well as an "old store just north of the cemetery" near Elko Switch on the Southern Railway, turned up nothing. Although the landowners of the property have been identified, there is no record of the cemetery in related documents nor, apparently, were there any churches in the vicinity.

Background for the cemetery is obviously sketchy at best, making precise dating difficult to the say the least. A date range of 1850 to 1920 is suggested based on the above information and artifact analysis. This range is for the excavated (eastern) portion of the cemetery only. Shorty reportedly made the comment that the cemetery may have been used as far back as the early 1800s. No evidence of burials that early was recovered from the investigated area of the cemetery, although the unexcavated portion may

p. 4 date to that period. A rough temporal distribution pattern is recognizable in the excavated area, with the earlier burials clustered in the center and later burials on the periphery; however, the pattern is not absolute due to the lack of definite dating mechanisms. If this pattern continues into the unexcavated areas it would seem likely that any pre-1850 graves would be located west of the Arsenal fence line. The highest elevation of the gently sloping knoll of the project area is just to the west of the fence line and would be a likely spot for the first burials to have been placed. Subsequent burials would be placed radiating outward from this spot and down the gradual slope. Excavating the remainder of the cemetery, of course, would be the only way of eliminating conjecture, although sufficient data have been collected to provide sound argument for this theory .

p. 244 M.G. Chaney and his wife, Bertie Chaney retained possession of the property until the U.S. Government bought their tract for the purpose of installing Redstone Arsenal. M.G. Chaney deeded two acres of the southeastern corner of the property to the State of Alabama for a school. This school, Chaney School, appears on the 1936 Madison 7.5' TVA quadrangle. Personal communication with Cecil Chaney, grandson of M.G. Chaney, revealed that M.G. Chaney resided in [what is now called] the Goddard House during the time he possessed the property. Cecil Chaney attended the Chaney School for a number of years, and also lived with his grandfather off and on from 1924-1942. Cecil Chaney recalls the southwest quarter of Section 7, Township 4 South, Range 1 West was almost always cultivated, and during his childhood he "roamed all over those fields." He does not recall a cemetery (Cecil Chaney, personal interview, 8 March 1988).

In 1942, the U.S. Government purchased the 700-acre tract from M.G. Chaney, as well as 35,000 acres that surrounded this tract (mostly south and east). A review of maps and documentation in the History Division, Redstone Arsenal, indicates that a cemetery was never recorded in this area. The project area has been left in open pasture since the U.S. Government purchased the property from M.G. Chaney. Gate 9 of Redstone Arsenal is approximately 0.4 mile south of the historic cemetery. A fenceline separating Rideout Road and the property runs north-south through the cemetery. No other improvements have been made on or near the project site.

Results of Findings

The results of the historical research study do not provide identification of the cemetery or of any person interred there. The research does provide insight into the economic and social conditions of the project area during the time the cemetery was used. The cemetery may have been a burying ground for the area's black/mulatto plantation employees, and, later for farm laborers, sharecroppers and tenants .

The study did not reveal much about the landowners of the project area between 1895-1924. It is assumed the property was in cultivation, and renters or tenants worked and lived on the farm. The historic cemetery was certainly in use during this period, although there is no documentary evidence at this time.

pp. 280-5 C. Personal Communication

It is estimated that approximately 40 people were personally contacted during this study. A list of the people who were intensively interviewed follows. The names of people who were casually interviewed and recommended sources are also included. Interviews were conducted by telephone, in person, and by mail. All efforts toward identification of the cemetery were negative. Nevertheless, useful information on socioeconomic conditions and community life was collected .

2. James Record, Historian, Madison County, Alabama

He told me about a 1924 County Commissioner's Act that required burial permits for county cemeteries. Mr. Record was not aware of the project cemetery.

3. Dorothy S. Johnson, Certified Genealogist, Huntsville, Alabama

Ms. Johnson has no record of the project's historic cemetery in her files.

4. Ed Peters, Public Affairs, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama

He was not aware of the identification of the historic cemetery.

5. 1^st Sergeant Tommy Johnson, Pastor, St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church

He provided names of people who are presently associated with many of the churches that were once established in Mullins Flat and Pond Beat, two communities that existed prior to the installation of Redstone Arsenal. He was not aware of the cemetery.

6. Reverend Wayne Snodgrass, Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church & Deacon George Green, Center Grove Methodist Church, Huntsville, Alabama

Neither of these men knew of the historic cemetery . Cedar Grove and LaGrange churches used a cemetery within "walking distance, on a hill not far just west of the church." This cemetery is probably the Moore Cemetery on Redstone Arsenal. Pine Grove and Gaines Chapel had a cemetery north of the church. The historic cemetery is not associated with any of these churches.

7. Aaron Burns

Mr. Burns remembers Elko Switch as a stop on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad where fertilizer was unloaded and cotton was shipped. It was also a commuter stop into Huntsville. The road up to Elko Switch was dirt and in 1909 was called Rural Free Delivery No. 5 . In order to get to Elko Switch from Mullins Flat one had to walk or ride north on this road. The historic cemetery is located next to what would have been RFD No. 5. Mr. Burns does not recall a cemetery in this location.

8. Emma and Ovoy Horton, Huntsville, Alabama

They were untiring in their efforts toward identification of the cemetery. Both grew up in the communities of Pond Beat and Mullins Flat. Mr. and Mrs. Horton are relatives of Aaron Burns . Neither Emma nor Ovoy Horton recall the historic cemetery.

9. Cecil Chaney, Huntsville, Alabama

His teacher, Ms. Leotra Estralanger, was also contacted. She does not recall a cemetery in the area. Cecil Chaney never heard anyone talk about a cemetery nor did he ever see a cemetery during the time he spent at his grandfather's farm. In his opinion, "the cemetery was likely before his grandfather's time and had been abandoned."

10. Lawrence Hundley, [former director, Royal Funeral Home], Huntsville, Alabama

Mr. Hundley was asked if he knew of the project's historic cemetery, and does not recall it. His knowledge, however, of black cemeteries in this area is extensive. He has "buried people in Triana, Mullins Flat, and Pond Beat." When asked about a possible identification of the cemetery he replied, "that many landowners buried their people .everyone had a gravesite on their farmland."

11. Richard Fletcher Pride, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Mr. Pride is the son of William Thomas Pride, M.D., a prominent physician in Madison County from 1895-1921 . Richard Pride remembers hunting on the Davis' farm, but does not recall "seeing" a cemetery. He was also asked about the likelihood of the historic cemetery being used as a community burial plot for indigents, paupers, etc., at one time and whether he remembered his father mentioning a connection with the hospital. He recalls nothing of this sort.

12. Marguerite Lacy, Historian, Lakeside Methodist Church

She has authored several manuscripts of local and regional black history. She is the historian for the Lakeside Methodist Church, a black church which dates to the mid-nineteenth century. She is not aware of the cemetery and there is no mention of it in her files and records.

13. Many people who were born and raised in the Mullins Flat and Pond Beat communities, but were displaced in the 1940s, were contacted . [N]o one knew the identity to the historic cemetery .

Bodies of more than 2300 persons buried in Madison County on land to be purchased by the government for the huge war chemical plant will have to be removed to other locations, according to M.K. Williamson, land appraiser of the War Department .

Problem to be solved by construction quartermaster concerning "removal" of hundreds of graves in numerous small cemeteries scattered throughout area. "Work to be done by contract, but the method to be followed in reburial has not been determined." Some of cemeteries & number of churches in area among oldest in Madison county.

There are 31 known cemeteries, 7 for whites & 24 for coloreds, within the area (NOTE: they must be talking about Huntsville Arsenal alone). These cemeteries contain 2,357 graves, according to the report of the appraisers. Just what disposition is to be made of the graves has not been determined, it was unofficially announced today.

The commission adopted a resolution approving the removal by the War Department of approximately 2,500 graves in 34 cemeteries in the arsenal area.

Lieutenant R.H. Munn, acting executive officer of the Chemical Warfare Service, told the commission that plans are being made to establish a national cemetery off the Madison pike, on the northern boundary of the reservation.

All markers & monuments will be moved along with the graves, and the government will give "perpetual care to the cemetery."

Working out plan "whereby descendents of persons buried in the area may have the graves moved elsewhere' but at no additional cost to the government.'" County attorney said commission approval unnecessary, but chairman issued resolution thanking Army for request.

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that we, the Madison County Board of Commissioners grant our approval to the site selected for a National Cemetery for these sacred remains to be transferred to, as being located on Madison Pike, northeast corner of section No. 8 on the Sarah F. Wilson property. (NOTE: this is in the area where the >first administrative buildings for Huntsville Arsenal, were located. This area is no longer part of the installation.)

Many tracts on which final papers not closed include cemeteries & church-- condemnation proceedings under way.

"No final decision reached regarding removal of graves in numerous cemeteries, a majority of which are for colored persons."

"Originally, the plan was to remove all graves into a single cemetery to be located in the northwest corner of the reservation, but legal complications have arisen, and the question is still under study by the Justice and War departments."

Ascertain from War Department how contract will be let for removing graves at Huntsville. Also whom should interested parties contact.

Reurtel understand from General Somervell's office War Department does not employ any people for purpose of removing graves on defense projects. Contract is made with contractor to furnish his own men, material, etc. for that work. As yet, contractor for Huntsville project not designated.