About Locust Grove Cemetery

On April 8, 1880, the town council of Stephens City, Virginia deeded .5 acres on the N.W. corner of the town common for use a cemetery “Colored Cemetery” which was later named Locust Grove Cemetery. The Locust Grove Cemetery, Inc. has provided control and management oversight of the cemetery through its Board of Trustees continuously from June 30, 1994.  

 Anna L. Wanzer died September 25, 2008. She was instrumental in laboring to incorporate Locust Grove Cemetery.

Locust Grove Cemetery, Inc. strives to increase the awareness and establish the importance of maintaining Locust Grove Cemetery as a memorial to the African-American families that not only lived, worked and died in the community of Stephens City, Virginia, but were also connected by blood.

The cemetery provides physical evidence of the past and our existence as a family. It is our objective to reveal a greater sense of family by becoming aware of the genealogical connection of our ancestors who lay at rest which continues to link us together, even today.

We are reminded and for many, discovering that “We are family” and as a family we take on an attitude of reverence and respect for our ancestors. Knowing our past gives us a greater reason to connect not only with our family history but our present and future family. Becoming aware of our ancestors, their achievements and their trials and tribulations help strengthen the roots that bind generations together.