20,000 People Buried In Mass Grave Here 166 Years Ago! Smallpox Cemetery
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- Опубликовано: 14 окт 2024
- In this compelling episode of Adventures into History, Cecil Young and I embark on a search through the dense woods of Macon County, Georgia, seeking the elusive "Smallpox Cemetery." This historic site, located between two railroads near the Flint River, was once a significant burial ground for victims of a devastating smallpox epidemic in the late 1850s. Some sources suggest it was also an Indian burial ground before the arrival of European settlers.
Our exploration takes us through overgrown terrain as we attempt to locate any remaining traces of the cemetery. The site, which had once played a crucial role in dealing with the epidemic, now shows no visible markers or boundaries. The original three grave markers, which were reported to have been present in the 1970s, are now missing, leaving us with little to guide our search.
The Smallpox Cemetery was historically known to be the final resting place for many individuals who died during the smallpox outbreak. Notable figures buried here include:
James 'Jimmie' Williams: A great uncle of C. T. Harden, Williams was known for his kindheartedness and bravery. He helped bury many victims of the epidemic before ultimately succumbing to the disease himself.
Mary Moody: Daughter of Joel Moody and Ann (Beall) Moody, and wife of Josiah Moody, Sr. She was a mother of several children and grandmother of Mary Bethia Moody English. Mary Moody died during the epidemic in 1858.
Elizabeth, consort of William Robinson: She died on June 11, 1851, before the major smallpox outbreak, but her burial site was associated with the cemetery due to its use during the epidemic.
In our search, we also discuss the inaccuracies in historical records. For example, the previous account that Rev. P. L. J. May and his family had succumbed to smallpox at this site has been corrected. Updated information reveals that Rev. May and his family survived the epidemic.
This video provides a detailed look at our search for the Smallpox Cemetery, reflecting on both the tragic history of the site and the challenges of preserving accurate historical records. Join us as we delve into the stories of those buried here and explore the remnants of a past marked by disease and hardship.
Sad that we didn’t find anything visually, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that there is a cemetery there! Make sure you read the description…
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You write so beautifully. I just want to say that. You write the descriptions so well.☺️
Hey Robert, a trussel is a bundle, archaic. A trestle is what supports the train track for a bridge.😉 you're welcome. Thanks for another interesting adventure.
@@cindys.9688Agree.
@@AdventuresIntoHistory maybe you guys could contact the local Genealogical Society or Historical Society and see what they say about at least a small sign of concern to those folks unknown who died of the smallpox epidemic.
If you guys could start the idea and maybe start with a few dollars contribution if they would take it on.
I could and would contribute if the county H. Soc. Would consider it.
You guys might email them with the proposal.
I’m very much an advocate of this kind of endeavor. Thanks! For listening Mr. Robert.
Nothing ventured nothing gained.
Dear Robert and Cecil, smallpoxes was devastating to small communities. My family history was in Michigan Sanilac county. One of the great greats donated a piece of their farm for cemetery during a smallpoxes outbreak 1870's time frame. There were 2 rules if you were going to bury a loved one in that cemetery. First was you must dig another grave for your neighbor as a kindness act. Second was the deceased was buried after dark because the entire county was under strict quarantine. You were not to be outside unless you were doing farm chores. Some were buried in rough boxes, but alot were buried in a rolled up mattress and blankets. For many many years there were no markers 🪦 stones. And the county put together all that they could find from family Bibles and a few records. And there are markers now.
Thanks for sharing info💯👍
🥲🥲🥲😢
Thank you for sharing that. My father's families were from Sanilac Co.
😢
@@bonniemcvicar-briggs5770 hi it's Tucker cemetery in snover county MI. I'm related to the Bopras, Nichol Bowling, Tucker and Swartz.
How heartbreaking. 20,000 people lost to history. Even with Cecil's GPS guidance, there is no definitive "X marks the spot". One of the things I love about your videos, is that you always try to find and read the names of those buried. The names of these 20,000 may never be known.
I agree. It's very sad.🙁
Knowing the horror of a pandemic with our modern medical knowledge, I can’t imagine how terrifying that must have been with medicine in the mid-1800’s. And then have to bury your loved ones in a mass grave, only for their identity and resting place to be erased by time, ignorance and vandals. But, you and Cecil told their story today, even if you couldn’t read their names or point out their exact resting place. As always, done with respect and kindness.
Beautifully said!
@@carolparrott1994 You may not believe this but the present day, mainstream, popular "medicines" are more dangerous than anything they could fathom back in those days.
I agree.❤️
Agree with you . Their kindness and respect.
"Knowing the horror of a pandemic with our modern medical knowledge,"
Yeah. People were shockingly quick to call for witchhunts and persecution. Over a .02% casualty rate.
2 headstones stolen and one "taken" for its protection and now missing? That sounds an awful lot like stealing to me. No one should ever steal a headstone. Despicable.
Yep. I thought the same thing.🙁
Folks that are disrespectful -- steal-- ect -- they then wonder when they find that they might have 'spirits' that have followed them HOME.
@@RuthShelton-ou4id Wow! Good point I hadn't thought of, and I do believe in such things.
@@RuthShelton-ou4idas they should. Stealing from their final earthly home is despicable.
Robert I love that someone as young as you loves history and explores the past…thanku!
I have one ancestor Timothy Treat Sr. who was lost to small pox during the Rev War. He took his son's place in the Continental Army because his son was physically unable to be a soldier and ended up going on the Quebec campaign. He survived the fighting part but after the campaign failed and they started heading back South small pox went through the camp and killed more than the battle did. They all went in a trench in Canada and the location was forgotten.
So sad to forget 20,000 people. During the epidemic times there were so many victims that burials had to be done quickly and people stayed away from the site for fear of catching disease. Would be nice to go,back in the winter and bring someone who can douse for graves snd see what they can do. Looking forward to the next video.
Such a tragedy and even more so that the stones were stolen. I hate that so much. They’re not forgotten. Thanks for documenting ❤️
I read bout this awhile back..a Rev.May was the first to contact it and was buried in that cemetery.. great history story to be remembered and all the lives lost..
How very sad. Thank you for bringing us the history in your area. Stealing from the dead is just BAD juju!
Even though you didn’t find any physical ruins of the cemetery, I still enjoyed watching you and Cecil exploring the back country of Georgia. Such an interesting area you live in!
How ironic that the last marker was removed to keep it from being stolen like the first two, but is itself now missing. If found, it would be a great edition to the local historical society.
Headstone may be stepping stone in someone's yard or part of a garden, sad but true, landowners have found them in their property in other locations
So very sad that there is no remembrance at all for these lost graves. So sad that names weren’t written down anywhere. Thank you to you, Robert and Cecil for trying to locate the area. Sad there was nothing left.
I enjoyed this video but I'm very sad that a cemetery would be erased like that. Why would they do that, unless someone has plans to use that land for something? I'm sorry you couldn't find if your ancestors were there. Hopefully some clue will come along one day. Thank you, Robert and Cecil for all your hard work.
Thank you Robert and Cecil for bringing history to us .
Very, very interesting! Even though no visible evidence remains, knowing that we were in the graveyard as you and Cecil walked around, was worth every second of the trip. Knowing that there had only been 3 headstones to begin with, and knowing that 20,000 people had been buried there tells a lot. Thank you, Robert and Cecil, for showing us this fascinating piece of history. So very interesting.
How sad. That had to seem like hell on earth for those who survived.
So many cemeteries and individual graves from our history are lost to neglect and overgrowth of vegetation. That's so sad. People shouldn't be forgotten like that. Each played a role in our American history - - both native Americans and immigrants.
It's sad, when an old cemetery is forgotten. That's history. At one time, people visited to show their respects to loved ones, or even cut grass and pulled weeds. Now, it's forgotten. Such a shame. Thank you, sir, for making this video.
You both are brave walking around in those high weeds with no snake boots on!!
And tics
@@carylosborn1808 and with a short pant again.. I always fear snakes and leecehs so I opt for long pant
I hope and pray that Mr. Dan is okay. I miss seeing him in your videos.
I believe that he has passed. 😢
@@YT4Me57really? I liked Dan the man
Mr. Ben is who passed away two weeks ago, not Mr. Dan. Mr. Bem was much older and like Mr. Dan, a fountain of knowledge for all of us. He rests with his family now.
nancyholcombe- Thanku for saying Dan is ok…Omagosh I love Dan and Robert together!
Dan has just been busy, he’ll be back 😂
Reminds me of "Skelton Park" in Kingston, ON. The cemetery fell into disrepair in the mid-19th century and many graves were moved soon after, but plenty were forgotten. Around 10,000 irish cholera victims were left in a mass grave. If you visit today, its surrounded on by a residential area, and there's a playground, water park, and paths built over top. If you look carefully, you can still find the outlines of brick tombs. But the untrained eye would never even know.
How awful 😢
Oh my goodness. That's so sad.
Those who lie benath your feet ...may have had no family left to record their passing... thank you
for trying to keep their memory alive so they are not totally forgotten 💔 😢😢😢😢😢😢
Love and enjoy watching your videos. May the lord bless and protect you and Cecil bringing out the past history
People need to respect the dead and stop stealing fuckn next things. It’s not cool. I believe in karma. What goes around comes around . Like the great work you fellas do to respect the dead. I bet you guys ( fellas ) are or will gonna receive good Fortune . No I’m not no psychic. I just see good people doing good things for others Thanks again Robert and Cecil.
This is most tragic cemetery you've ever shown us. All those people dying of disease then being buried in mass graves, which is understandable. What isn't understandable is the lack of a group marker. And what's with the theft of the three markers? I'm sorry you may have people in this cemetery. I wonder if a list of people could be created from old records. At least listing family names could help. I'm so sorry, Robert.
Such a sad time in history, but such a beautiful place to rest in peace. Love Kate from OZ.
Long time viewer here, but first time commenting. This was great, even without the discovery of any physical markers. Keep up the good work!
My great great grandparents lived in Marion County Georgia and disappeared from census records between 1850 and 1860. Perhaps that is what happened to them.
You've asked all the elders in the family if they know something? Maybe someone will find an old ledger book that may have a note regarding them. I'm guessing people who lived near but not close and who died of those terrifying diseases may have been brought here. Good luck in your search.
Sometimes census records would indicate that. Funny can't grasp ahead of, but not funny...
That might be what happened to them. I guess you know more now than you did before the video, and I hope you can find a answers to what happened to them. This video might start a new search. Good luck to you!😁
We like to think our ancestors lived long, great lives. l hope you find that to be the case, as well.
They may have died from something else to rgey were only done every 10 years, unless they moved of course! Mine move alot during that time period as they were brand new immagrants.
You weren't defeated..thank you Robert and Cecil for taking the time to search and, showing us so much respect and reverence. All those resting here are not forgotten. 🙏👋🪶
Well, how sad. It's unfortunate that the graveyard was hiding from you guys. Probably mass graves, and right where you showed.
Thank you to you and Cecil for going out there. Even tho nothing obvious was found, just you being out there counts for remembering them. Sadly, that much respect wasn't given to the area over the years, but you two did your part and you can be proud.
I have heard stories about my family from the 1800s, and life was very hard, just day-to-day survival. I can't imagine how scary an outbreak of any kind would be with the limited medicine and supplies to help contain it. I don't know a lot about smallpox. But, how it could take out almost an entire community like that is so devastating. And that with Indian burial grounds, you know those woods talk at night.
I hope everyone there is at peace.
I was thinking the same thing. Those woods are very much alive at night.
Today, we have medicine and vaccines and people refuse to take them. SMH.
WOW, Both of you had to go pretty deep in those woods to find what was left of that mass cemetery, such a shame that one of the headstone, that you mentioned was taken away, and that others were stolen?? So sad to see that 20,000 people meant so less to anyone that their mass graves or any infomation on ANY of them is just gone, like they never mattered, or were not important enough to at least record. I have, along with so many branches of the Cantrell family that go back to Richard Cantrell whom was married to Dorothy Jones, whom came over from England, he as in Endentured servant, and settled in Pennsylvania in the 1660's and you can not find either of their graves. One of the many Genealogy researchers of My Large Cantrell side of the family, stated that they could possibly be buried under a road now, in Pennsylvania, the cemetery long forgotten and just also wiped away. so sad..
Outstanding video. It's so sad that nothing remains . Keep up the great work guys 👍
How heartbreaking to be so sick knowing your families are all suffering with little that could be done back then. Lord have mercy on each and every one. Amen. Leta
Yes! How hard it must've been to need to take care of someone who is sick yet having to be careful so you don't get sick.
What a nightmare.
Thank you Robert and Cecil, for showing us resting community, it's sad that all these people are lost to tragedy and time, maybe someday soon the county will do something to mark that area, maybe with a big marker of all the names of those who are known to be buried there, maybe family or county records will list of some of the people, Robert it breaks my heart to know you may have family there, I'm sorry for your loss and the loss of your family history. (May all who Rest their, Rest In Peace). Thank you both for all that you do to document these cemetery.
They used to burn the mattress and sometimes the houses with the people in it. Back on the plains that was a normal thing. And people stayed clear of those places.maybe with more research and when the weeds are gone you can find it. Thank you for sharing boys
Sad but an interesting fact. Back then it was the norm. They thought of it being one way to irradiacate the disease, I suppose.
My husband's great gfather was born in Atlanta in 1859. In 1866, after being warned against touching any clothing left behind by soldiers, tried on a uniform coat and became sick with smallpox. He passed the illness on to his mother and she passed. His father sent him to live with a relative and never had any further contact with him. Times were brutal back then. I cannot find historical documentation of the story, mainly bc there are too many variations of his father's name and the relationship of the person who took him in is in question as to whether it was his brother or uncle. Sad story, but the ancestor did go on to lead a very interesting life and went to medical school when he was 40. He had been recently widowed with a houseful of children, remarried and had newborn twins and somehow found the money to pay for tuition and boarding at medical school 70 miles from his home. I am looking for that "rich uncle" who died and left him money!
What a cool story!
Good luck finding your dear old rich uncle.😉
It is a shame that place wasn't made a memorial. Thanks for sharing.
Should be a marker ir monument with the dates and such. The dead are gone they don't care about earthly things. You have to know that with all the people who had died there would be no land for the living. From dust you began to dust you shall return, us often said at burials.
Thank you to you and Cecil for sharing g this.
Aloha 🌺 Thank you Cecil! Unbelievable that so many people are there, but not there. Thank you Gentlemen! 🌺🥰❤️
Thank you so much.
My dad was Dr. I remember him telling stories from the 50’s that he would be called out to a farm that had immigrants for farm workers. I guess they were housed in a type of barrack. But he said the immigrants would get small pox. And he said he could walk in the door and smell the small pox. So it must have a odor. Thought that was interesting. 😁👋🏼💞👍🏼🙌🏻
Oh dear! That is very interesting! Thanks for sharing.
I know infections can, and often do, have an odor. Maybe it's similar to that.
Very well done. Other than GPR, which might be out due to terrain. Or Drone footage that can show locations?, I really hope you locate it. Those folks deserve to be remembered. Thanks guys. Stay Safe.
I really enjoyed your all video .
I did a postgrad degree 20 years ago now and my thesis was on something called "dark tourism" and I constructed a heritage trail along the east side of Anglesey in north Wales where Im from. It was inspired by remembering the lost dead, of making sure there was some kind of memorialisation to the forgotten souls. it was interesting and I threw myself into it. some might say it was morbid or who would want to create something like that..well your channel and others like it show there IS interest. And yes, it's almost insulting in some cases that these poor souls are lost to time and not recognised in some way. Thank you.
It must be very disappointing when you cannot find anything. So sad. I'm sorry that you could not find any thing. Keep up the wonderful work you do Cecil and Robert. Love watching yous try and find cemetery.on this one you had so much information you gave us. That's what I find so interesting.love what you do
Robert and Cecil,
Thank you both for remembering this tragedy and thanks to FeatheredLife for
the History, as well.
Cheers,
Rik Spector
This was an example of how horrific the times of active smallpox outbreaks were. 20,000 lives lost and now their graves are gone. Kind of takes your breath away. Thank you for sharing this tragedy.
I have enjoyed this very much and thank you both for caring. I believe or Lord made his blessings and they have gone home 🙏. God bless both of you 🙏❤️
So, so sad!😔
Thanks for the history lesson!!
Guess a marker could be erected along the closest roadway speaking of the plague.
I had a smallpox shot and have the scar on my left arm where a hypo- gun was used, most did not look forward to shots. The easiest one was polo on a sugar cube.
Lot of folks sure list their lives with no immunization in the day.
Another devastating disease was TB, or old name consumption.
My Grandfather Wright and his siblings were orphans as a result, most left TN. For Texas, Oklahoma.
You guys are great at turning over new stones from bygone days.
Read about that tainted sugar cube over 2 M got. Dr. Mary was using monkey organs. Ed the author of the book knew Mary. His dad worked with her. He has an interview on you tube. The last time I tried to do a link it was blocked. I got one of those sugar cubes and so did my aunt (5 yrs older). There’s no history of cancer in our family but she has had cancer twice. Use the key words like Dr., Mary’s, Monkey, Ed. The author to find info.
Cool that you share Robert's last name.☺️
Diseases back then really did turn people's lives upside down. It's nice that you know that much of your family's history.
@@cindys.9688 you can too. Some effort and research would reveal much about your family too. I had wonderful people to back me from 1982 forward. Most people were very open to helping as well.
Had a very nice Confederate Commemoration Service, in the 1990’s. Held it on the gentleman’s lands, which formerly were my ancestors.
God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Blessed!
Thanks Robert Wright! Curt Wright…
@@cindys.9688 proud to be a Wright.
You and Cecil have honored all those lost and let us do the same. There may not be an indicator but not defeated. Bless you both💕
That is so sad that all those people are forgotten.
Hey fellas. Yea I remember getting chickenpox and it was so uncomfortable, Obviously, and hey my ex got it twice crazy.
So thanks, fellas, Robert and Cecil. I’m sending much 💚.
Small pox is totally different than chicken pox.
@@ramonaalvarez7559 ok
Ramon
Speaking about the contagiousness of it
I'm 62 and got chicken pox when I was 8. It left a scar, an indention on my forehead, for decades. It's finally disappeared. Just a little trivia!☺️
Thanks!
Very nice of you!❤️
Thanks for your honesty in stating that the cemetery was not found! We win some, we lose some, such is life! Thanks for bringing us along. Y'all stay safe(I was concerned about the "hunters" outside of season) and see ya on the next one!
So very sad. I have three great uncles who were all under the age of three who died in 1873 of small pox.
I never had a smallpox shot, but my younger siblings did. Grateful there was a vaccine available for my child!!!!
I never had a small pox shot, my OLDER siblings did, my parents were poor and t hat one you had to pay for and they stopped giving them just a few short years later.
It would be very good if you both look into getting SMALLPOX.
It's better to be safe then sorry.💕🤟
😢that's sad how they are forgotten poor souls.
Wow so many people! :(
QUESTIONS: 1) Of the 3 known burials, have their descendants been contacted (if they are still living in the area)?
2) This cemetery and the three people whose names are known are listed on Find A Grave. Posted in 2011. Has the person who posted this info been contacted?
3) Who owns that plowed area???
Well i gotta say, this is so sad.🙏
I feel like going over there to your location and help search. It’s OK. You fellas will find it you always do.
That's a very sad story about all those people that passed away from smallpox and thanks for sharing this adventure
Metal detectors the area and check and see if those trenches are backfill.Also a drone flight could shed some light.Good luck from England.
LIDAR detection may also show bones under the top of the soil... showing as an irregular demarcation in the dirt.
I'm so sorry you can't find your loved ones graves. My heart breaks for you. I understand your pain. At least God knows where they are. Some day we will all be together again. That's so sad that many people died with the same thing and now all traces of it is gone. God Bless you all.
Truth!✝️❤️
That leveled area very suspicious very fresh
Wonna bet thats for growing pot ?
Robert said it was plowed
to think the remains of 20,000 people are just gone with no markers or anything is so strange
I can not imagine leaving a family member in a mass grave...heartbreaking RIP
Were all the people from one town or brought in on the trains and buried? It's hard to believe the only tomb stone left, to keep from being stolen, was actually stolen! Good grief......
Very sad! 😢. But God knows the name of each one and where every person is buried. What a day that will be when the dead in Christ shall rise! 🙌
Amen! A cemetery where my gr grandparents are buried has signs that say, "Only known to God" on unknown graves that are only marked with a rock. I really love that.
Hi Robert and Cecil, this is so very sad. 😢 It was such a painful time in history.
Sad you couldn't find it. Possibly since it's overgrown right now you both could return in the fall and find it? Just a thought. Thanks for sharing.
so sad their history has been erased. but thanks to you and Cecil they will not be forgotten.
Wow! That old bridge was amazing.. I can't wait to see the cemetery. Is there any mills around Georgia? If there is could you do some videos on them? I always loved old mills.. Happy hiking!! Stay hydrated..
What a shame that an entire cemetery with that many people has just disappeared.
sometimes some want to erase the history... or simply left forgotten
Wow did not realize that was there thank you for sharing this👍👍👍 The old bridge is the old CSX railroad bridge they had to reroute the railroad after the flood of 94 I think…
So very sorry you couldn’t find them as it’s a very important part of history that will be lost in time as there are probably know one left that knows where it would be only you and Bret took the time to look for it 😢so very sad but thank you for sharing with us
What a sad story. It must have been very frightening in those times, not knowing then how disease spread and not being able to say goodbye to your loved ones in the ways you were used to.
So the info on line says Oglethorpe had a pop.of 20,000 and a Preacher May was the first sufferer,and all the towns people died? But it said some people left and moved to Americus. The count is off somewhere. No records were kept in that town, and most of it was burned to the ground,obviously with such record deaths and all nothing was accurate. Confusion and chaos got that unfortunate place,that's disturbing. I'm sorry You and Cecil went on that journey.😳What kind of devil's trick?😧😲 I'd never heard this story. I knew smallpox decimated Indian tribes especially in the south, and out west at times,too. They had no immunity. But with this involving Euro settlers and others that left, seems there would be some more to go on. I can't get a grip on this one. Strange and haunting.
Thanks for sharing this info🕊️💯👍
"They removed the road", can you explain a bit more about that?---And the birdsong, to keep them company through eternity. I'm comforted by that.
I had requirement by college in Nashville TN to have smallpox vaccine, I did & then few days later got on a bus to travel there. I arrived & immediately had to see the school DR. I had the worst case of cowpox that he had ever seen & asked if couple of his Dr. friends could look at my leg. It was swollen & painful. The 3 agreed worst they had ever seen & they had all been military doctors. I just had to take it easy, had the shot on my leg because looking at people with it on their upper arm about made me sick as the center of the area looks puss filled for a very long time, years on my leg & finally hardly noticeable, can't imagine what that disease was like for those poor families.
Oh dear! I'm glad and so thankful that you got better. Sadly, as you know, they didn't have the advanced medicines way back then as they did when you were in college. I bet that was scary! You had the meds to get better - imagine if you didn't.😱
Ive never heard of this event before but it seems like a lot of people to die and there to not be a written account and seems that there should definitely be some kind of monument there to mark the place and event!
It is sad how 20.000 people can just disappear into history. what a shame someone didn't do something about it when they could have to get it marked and protected. If anyone could have found it it would be you two! At least they were not forgotten today
That's a real shame. There should be some sort of monument there. They were really taking bodies quite a way to be buried there. 😮
I had family that lived in ogelthrope just down the road from where you're at. Use to go rabbit hunting 60 years ago in and around the grave yard. Even back then you wouldn't know you were in a grave yard. But I do remember seeing the head stones.
someone should place a historical marker or something
Wow, Cecil walking in that tall grass with shorts? Rattlesnake country right there!
So sad :(
So extremely sad😢
how sad 20,000 people and no marker, no trace, just think 20,000. By the way tell Cecil I think he's ok
Why would people steal grave markers? What would you do with them? Blows my mind. 😔
Another great video! Thank you for all you do! 👍🙏
I have read stories of people finding them in their yards being used as stepping stones or garden decor
@@ppurgettwhat an awful thing to do 😢
Omagosh that is a lot of death and sadness. “where’s Cecil” you’re too funny! 😂🤣
Wow… sad
A much needed clean up could be a great community project🕊️💯👍
Lol…. some most / people are too lazy to cut their own grass and would pay another man to do that.
I’m 75 and got my shot in California in the 1950’s. My great grandmother had a huge scar from her shot. I’ve only had one doctor ask if I had the smallpox injection. So sorry so many people died from it.
The flooding that you mentioned would have also erased the tell tale indentations in the ground that you often see in individual/unmarked burials. The U.K. has epidemic/pandemic mass grave sites in many parts of the country. In later years, some of those were turned into memorial type public parks. It would be nice if this area too could have just one big Memorial Marker so that the 20, 000 victims would not be forgotten.