The City of Savannah has released the findings from a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey conducted at Whitefield Square, confirming the area’s historical use as a burial ground for enslaved and free people of color between 1763 and 1844. The survey, carried out by The LAMAR Institute in December 2025, was initiated ahead of plans to install a historical marker recognizing the site’s significance.
Historical records indicate that Whitefield Square partially overlaps with what was known as the “Negro Burial Ground.” After closing this burial ground due to overcrowding in 1844, city officials established another cemetery south of Gaston Street near Abercorn Street, which remained in use until Laurel Grove Cemetery opened a section for people of color in 1852. In 1855, Savannah City Council authorized the removal of remains from earlier burial grounds to Laurel Grove Cemetery, though it is unclear if removals occurred at both sites or just one.
The GPR survey identified more than 80 potential burial anomalies within Whitefield Square and two probable burial clusters where the exact number of graves could not be determined. According to the report submitted in January 2026, most anomalies are likely either intact human burials or empty shafts where remains may have been relocated during the mid-19th century. However, only further archaeological excavation could confirm whether these are intact burials or previously disturbed graves.
Based on these findings, city staff recommend treating Whitefield Square similarly to Colonial Park Cemetery: as an inactive historic burial ground that also serves as passive greenspace. Plans include moving forward with erecting a historical marker through Savannah’s Historical Marker Program and forming an advisory group led by the Archives & History Officer to develop recommendations for City Council consideration.
Additionally, a similar GPR survey will be conducted at Taylor Square to determine if the “Strangers Burial Ground,” active from 1819–1844 and also known as Potter’s Field, extended into that area. This step aims to ensure any future development respects Savannah’s cultural heritage. Funding for this project comes from the Square & Monument Preservation fund.
Mayor Van R. Johnson II commented on the importance of acknowledging this history: “This square is more than green space. It is sacred ground,” said Mayor Van R. Johnson II. “For generations, Savannah’s enslaved and free people of color were laid to rest here. Their lives mattered. Their stories matter. And acknowledging that history is not optional — it is necessary. We are committed to ensuring that this chapter of our City’s history is recognized with dignity, transparency, and respect.”
City Manager Jay Melder emphasized ongoing efforts: “To make the most of our future as a City, we must always work to better understand our past,” said City Manager Jay Melder. “These findings are an example of Savannah’s unwavering commitment to fully understanding our history, and to ensure we honor and mark that history appropriately. We must also—whenever possible—commit ourselves to making right today what we did not or could not make right back then. That commitment requires careful research, thoughtful engagement, and action grounded in respect.”
Luciana Spracher, Archives & History Officer, will be available for interviews at Whitefield Square on Friday afternoon and after Mayor Johnson’s weekly press briefing next Tuesday at City Hall.
