Graves overgrown at historic Hampton burial ground; relatives demand answers
Relatives of those buried at Pleasant Shade Cemetery in Hampton say the small burial ground has been allowed to fall into disrepair, leaving headstones obscured by weeds and family plots difficult to find. Residents who visit the site say they have done what they can to tidy the grounds, but want the property owner and city officials to take responsibility for long-term upkeep.
Who owns the land?
Deed records reviewed by news outlets show the parcel is recorded to a man named Todd Sexton. Additional public records indicate a company called the Montross Company holds a tax account tied to the property and, as of July 17, owed the city nearly $5,000 in unpaid real estate taxes.
| Record | Entry |
|---|---|
| Deed: recorded owner | Todd Sexton |
| Tax record: listed owner/account | The Montross Company |
| Outstanding taxes (as of July 17) | About $5,000 |
Family members step in, voice frustration
Those who visit the cemetery say they are left to do the physical work themselves. One relative described trimming and mowing just to make a path to family markers. Preservation advocates say the site is part of the area's African American burial history and deserves care beyond occasional volunteer efforts.
"It’s just been neglected for years,"
The news outlet that first reported the situation said it made multiple attempts to reach the individual named on the deed and possible family contacts by phone and email but received no response. City officials confirmed the tax records showing the balance tied to the site but did not immediately indicate any enforcement action to secure routine maintenance or a long-term preservation plan.
What this means for Hampton
Historic and family cemeteries are a recurring issue across the region. When ownership is unclear, or when private owners fail to maintain plots, the burden often falls to grieving families or volunteer groups. That dynamic raises questions about how the city prioritizes enforcement of property upkeep and how it supports preservation of historic African American burial sites. Local advocates say clearer lines of responsibility and timely municipal follow-up could prevent further neglect.
- Residents say they want immediate cleanup and a plan for ongoing maintenance.
- Records list both an individual owner and a company with unpaid taxes tied to the property.
- City response so far has focused on public records; no confirmed enforcement action was reported as of July 17.
For now, families continue to tend what they can while asking the city and property owners to address the bigger problem. The situation at Pleasant Shade echoes wider efforts across Virginia to locate, document and preserve historic Black cemeteries — work advocates and public historians say requires both community action and government partnership.
