Farmers restore historic slave cemetery while cultivating thriving vineyard in Maryland

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

A local vineyard in St. Mary's County is not only thriving as a source of income but also serves as a poignant reminder of the area's historical significance. During a recent government meeting, community members discussed the ongoing efforts to restore a cemetery believed to be a burial site for enslaved individuals from the early 1800s.

The cemetery, located near the vineyard, has been the focus of a two-year cleanup project initiated by a local resident and his son. They uncovered historical details about the site, including the arrangement of headstones that suggest a connection to the Emancipation Proclamation and the Civil War. The cemetery features a distinct line of larger stones, which the community believes marks a significant historical event.

In addition to the cemetery restoration, the vineyard is flourishing, with plans to produce high-quality wines in collaboration with the Port of Leonardtown Winery. While the vineyard currently supplies grapes for winemaking, there are aspirations to create their own unique blends in the future.

The meeting highlighted the importance of preserving local history while fostering economic growth through agriculture. As the community continues to honor its past, it also looks forward to a promising future in winemaking. Residents are encouraged to visit the vineyard, especially during the grape harvest season starting in August, to witness the fruits of their labor and the rich history that surrounds it.

Converted from 5/27/2014 Commissioners of St. Mary's County meeting on January 21, 2025
Link to Full Meeting