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mcc-jrr_201-012

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Elko Switch Cemetery, 20-1 Summary Report, page 12

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p. 1 Background to the Study In 1965 the Alabama Highway Department inadvertently encountered several unmarked graves during construction of Rideout Road, approximately 1000 feet north of the Redstone Arsenal Gate No. 9, on the border between the southwest limits of the city of Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal. The undisturbed balance of the cemetery lies entirely on Arsenal property. Due to the graves being unmarked, not readily apparent and virtually unknown, impact was quite severe in some spots on the east periphery of the cemetery. Upon realizing what they had run into, officials halted operations. The soil was mechanically replaced to an adequate depth to protect the impacted remains. At this time the decision was made to relocate the highway 50 ft to the east to prevent additional impact. The Alabama Highway Department notified this office in late 1987 of its intentions to redesign the interchange of Rideout Road and U.S. Alternate 72, thereby subjecting the remaining portion of the cemetery east of the Arsenal fence line to impact and destruction.... Extensive research has yielded scant information about the cemetery, the deceased or living relatives of the deceased. This fact enabled us to excavate and analyze methodically and carefully without the pressure of a tight reinterment deadline. Historical Background The historical background of the cemetery, unfortunately, proved to be an enigma. Despite extensive research by Ms. Jody Perroni.and a media p. 3 outreach campaign, only a few bits and pieces of relevant information were recovered. The fact that a cemetery of this size and age 12 - (1591)    

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