HRSD, in partnership with the City of Newport News, is constructing a walking trail along Flax Mill Creek. During construction, an unanticipated burial site was identified. Due to this discovery, construction in the area was halted and coordination with the City of Newport News Archaeologist, City of Newport News Police and Medical Examiner, and Department of Historic Resources has been on-going. The area of discovery was initially inspected by the City of Newport News Archaeologist. In accordance with legal and historical protocols, further archaeological investigations were required in the area to determine the extents of the burial site.

The archaeological investigations are now complete. The known extents of the unmarked cemetery are within the proposed path of the trail between Boardwalks 2 and 3 (see graphic included). The history and identity of those interred in the unmarked cemetery are unknown. Investigations in the area uncovered decaying wood and soil staining suggesting coffins of late 19th century origin, indicating that the area may be historical in nature. Department of Historic Resources determined that it would be inappropriate to exhume and re-inter the multiple persons discovered in this area.

HRSD and our engineering team have been working with Department of Historic Resources, Federal Highway Administration, and City of Newport News Park Department to sensitively redesign the trail in this area to avoid the cemetery. The new alignment meets the Department of Historic Resources’ expectations for avoidance and provides sensitive and respectful consideration for those interred and for the historical nature of the area.

City of Newport News leadership has approved this necessary and limited realignment of the Flax Mill Creek trail due to discovery of this unanticipated burial site. This letter is to inform you that the location of the realigned trail will be west of the original path near your property (see graphic included) to maintain sensitivity and respect for a potentially marginalized community and historic site. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact HRSD and the City of Newport News.

Thank you,