On the grounds of Historic Brattonsville in York County is one of the largest enslaved burial grounds in the Carolina Piedmont. Over the weekend, descendants of those enslaved at the former plantation and descendants of the owning family gathered to remember and honor the hundreds buried there.
Dr. Lisa Bratton is a fifth-generation descendant of Green and Melinda Bratton; they were enslaved at the plantation.
“For us to be here today honoring members of our family, members of my ancestors who have been forgotten is, like a dream for me.”
During the reconsecration ceremony, Dr. Bratton called the names of the known and unknown ancestors linked to the former cotton plantation. She honored them through the African tradition of pouring libations.
“It is long overdue. We are giving voice in a way to men and women who didn't have a voice, who were not able to learn to read and write, who were not able to tell their own story.”
On a forested, five-acre plot, the burial ground sits about a quarter of a mile from the main sites of historic Brattonsville. The land was acquired by the museum in 2001. Through archaeological examination, it's been determined the site is the final resting place for at least 481 people of African descent.
The graves are marked with weathering or Corten steel. From a distance, they look like wooden stakes rising from the ground. In the midst of markers, stands one marble headstone dedicated to Watt, an enslaved man and local American revolutionary legend, and also to his wife, Polly. They are the only two among the 481 whose identities are known. At the end of the ceremony, the descendants, both black and white, laid greenery at their headstone.
Bratton Holmes is the great, great, great grandson of Colonel William Bratton. He said he’s visited the site several times before the markers were in place.
“The raw number is a bit overwhelming. I do wish that we had more information about who is here, and unfortunately, we don't; and we probably never will.”
One thing both sides of the descendant community is excited about having is the opportunity to collectively help tell a more complete American history.
Sarah Spratt is another Bratton Family descendent. She said as a child, the focus was on her white ancestors and enslavers.
“There's been, I think, a renewed and a better telling of a fuller history in recent years; and I want to be part of that.”
The museum plans to host a grand opening of the cemetery to the public next month.
