MORNING HEADLINES | The Council of South Carolina Professional Archaeologists has taken a stand against the College of Charleston’s plans to build new dorms on a 1790s public burial ground for the poor. The College announced its plans late last summer, but was quickly met with protests and public opposition.
The council sent a letter last week to the college, stating the development could “adversely impact one of Charleston’s most significant burial grounds.”
Between 4,600 and 12,000 Whites and Africans, who were newly arrived on slave ships, as well as travelers and orphaned children, may be interred in the “Strangers and Negroes Burial Ground,” a former city-owned burial ground bounded by Coming, Vanderhorst and Calhoun streets. The college has said it purchased the property knowing it was a former burial ground.
In a statement, the college contends it can only provide housing for about a third of its students and the site is its only option.
Previous CP coverage:
- Burial site controversy continues for CofC dorm site
- College not shying away from cemetery controversy
- Proposed dorm on cemetery site sparks spirited community debate
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