Indianapolis Excavates 1,136 Greenlawn Cemetery Graves for Henry Street Bridge

Construction on the Henry Street Bridge project in Indianapolis has uncovered over 1,100 grave shafts at the historic Greenlawn Cemetery site, the city's earliest burial ground. Archaeologists from Stantec have identified 511 intact burials and numerous partial remains, with nearly half of the examined remains belonging to children and half identified as Black, highlighting the cemetery's diverse and significant historical population. The excavation, which includes meticulous mapping and artifact recovery, has revealed 19th-century items such as jewelry and casket hardware, providing insight into the lives and deaths of Indianapolis's early residents. While some graves show evidence of past disturbances or relocations, researchers continue to explore questions about the cemetery's racial history without definitive conclusions yet. A community advisory group formed in 2024 ensures that the excavation proceeds respectfully, with plans for reburial and a comprehensive report on the findings to be published after the project concludes. The bridge construction is expected to be complete by late 2026, with archaeological work ongoing to honor and preserve this vital piece of Indianapolis’s history.