Nearly 700 'grave shafts' discovered in Indiana during excavation

INDIANPOLIS (WKRC) – Nearly 700 “grave shafts” were discovered in Indiana during excavation work, the projects archaeology consultant announced.

According to WXIN, citing a press release from the Indianapolis Department of Public Works, the archaeology consultant working on a redevelopment project involving the Henry Street Bridge in Indianapolis confirmed that 674 “grave shafts” had been on the Henry Street right-of-way.

The consultant group, Stantec, said the number was more than the expected 650 shafts that were expected to be found as crews worked in a section of the former Greenlawn Cemetery called the “Old Burying Ground,” according to IndyStar.

Formed back in 1821, it is considered Indianapolis’ first official cemetery and was the largest burial place for African Americans in the State of Indiana, per WXIN. Officials speaking to the station said the number of shafts doesn’t equate to the number of individuals located, further explaining that “additional research and lab analysis of recovered remains” will be needed to determine that number.

“Our approach and commitment to the respectful excavation and reinterment of individuals remains unchanged,” Ryan Peterson, Stantec’s lead archaeologist, wrote in a press release obtained by WXIN. “While more grave shafts have been identified than initially estimated for the right-of-way, this does not necessarily mean we will unearth a similar number of grave shafts in the areas still awaiting excavation.”

Stantec first began working to excavate the site in November 2024.

The work is related to the “White River Innovation District Infrastructure project,” which, when complete, will include “new roadways on each side of the White River near the former GM Stamping Plant and a new Henry Street bridge connecting the new development to downtown.”

“From the banks of the White River, City officials and community members celebrated the Henry Street Bridge groundbreaking. This skyline-altering project will provide a vital new connection to Downtown Indianapolis from the west side, enhancing connectivity and supporting the continued growth of LEVEE, formerly the White River Innovation District.eet Bridge will be a critical new link in our city, making Downtown Indianapolis more accessible to our west side communities than ever before,” the project’s webpage reads.

According to IndyStar, a $1 billion development project planned for the area, which was set to include a soccer stadium for Indy Eleven, was put on hold after the developer, Keystone Group, accused Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett of walking away from the project to court a Major League Soccer team.

The development was planned to feature a mix of residential, hotel, entertainment and retail spaces alongside the stadium, per the publication.

To learn more about the White Water Innovation District Infrastructure project, you can click HERE.