Indianapolis' history is rising from below as construction on the new Henry Street Bridge unearths what was once the city's earliest burial ground, the Greenlawn Cemetery. According to FOX59, more than 1,100 grave shafts have been discovered, a tangible legacy of those who lived in Indianapolis at its inception. From this emergent past, artifacts such as 19th-century jewelry, and casket hardware speak volumes, their remains potentially dating back to when the city was first established.
As the first structural beams take their place, archaeologists work to document the stories buried beneath. “This is more than a construction project for the city,” said Kyle Bloyd, Indy DPW Chief Communications Officer, “This is a history project, this is a research project. We’re finding out the stories of some of the first people who lived in Indianapolis as we do this project.” Meanwhile, project leaders, including Ryan Peterson, an archaeologist with Stantec, have stressed that the investigation is thorough, even as the bridge’s completion is anticipated for late 2026, as per FOX59.
Diving deeper into the archaeology facet of the project, WISH-TV reports on the evolving narrative of the Greenlawn Cemetery, where aspects have either been heavily reused or lain undisturbed. Questions about the cemetery's historical significance, particularly regarding its racial composition, have been raised, though no definitive evidence has surfaced thus far in the data. "There’s some documentation suggesting there might have been a segregated part of the cemetery," Peterson explained, "We’re not seeing that in the data we have so far, but things have changed a lot over time. We just have to let the data tell us what the answers are."
Local engagement has been regarded as crucial in this reverent task, with a community advisory group, formed in 2024, advising the project. The group's involvement ensures the respectful reburial of remains once excavation concludes. "It’s important on a project like this to share this back with the community," Peterson told WISH-TV. Alongside this community restoration and reconciliation, the bridge promises to forge new connections within the city, further integrating the expanded Indianapolis Cultural Trail, and supporting the new global headquarters for Elanco.
As reported by IndyStar, the excavation of Greenlawn Cemetery is a profound act of historical rediscovery. The archaeological endeavors not only illustrate the city's commitment to honoring its ancestral roots but also set the stage for its continuing evolution. "For so long, this history has sat there and it's been disrespected, it's been covered up and it's been just mortified by people building things over it," Indianapolis City-County Councilor Kristin Jones emphasized, "We are going to tell those stories. These folks are going to be respected."
