While completing improvements as part of a Johnson Hagood Stadium construction project, a Citadel contractor discovered what appeared to be historic gravesites, likely dating to the 1800s.
Upon the discovery, The Citadel immediately activated the construction project’s previously established historic preservation plan, halted work in the affected area and coordinated with the archaeological consultant and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Based on their guidance, and following a 2004 City of Charleston ordinance regarding the exhuming and reinterment of remains uncovered during construction at Johnson Hagood Stadium, The Citadel will reinter and memorialize any remains in an expanded, protected area on the south side of the Stadium. Additionally, The Citadel’s archaeological consultant assessed surrounding areas where construction activity is planned and found no evidence of additional gravesites.
“We understand the deep importance of historic remains to the Charleston community and with the City will engage with the broader community on this topic,” said Jonathan Hoffman, Vice President of Communications and Marketing at The Citadel. “We will continue to follow archaeological best practices and guidance provided by the State Historic Preservation Office and coordinate with various stakeholders throughout this project and future construction activities.”
Johnson Hagood Stadium was constructed by the City of Charleston in 1927 on land that had served as a city-owned burial ground for nearly 80 years. The Citadel purchased the stadium from the City in the 1960s and remains committed to serving as a respectful and responsible steward of Charleston’s and South Carolina’s history on and near campus.
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