Location of Possible Graves
Hillsborough County, FL / GPR
GeoView conducted a ground penetrating radar (GPR) investigation at C. Leon King High School in Hillsborough County, Florida. The study, performed between October 23 and November 2, 2019, was initiated following reports that a historic cemetery might be located on the school property. At the time of the survey, there were no visible burial markers or gravestones within the designated investigation areas.
The survey was conducted using a GSSI SIR 3000 radar system equipped with a 400-megahertz (MHz) antenna. Data was collected along parallel transects spaced 2 feet apart, oriented to be perpendicular to the typical east/west alignment of graves. In areas with dense vegetation, such as animal pens and near a greenhouse, the survey was conducted in a reconnaissance mode. The GPR data was processed into 3-D depth slices, providing information to an estimated depth of 6 to 8 feet below the ground surface
The GPR method successfully identified 145 suspected graves within the southern investigation area (Area 1) at depths ranging from 3 to 5 feet. These features were characterized by consistent parabolic reflections in the 2-D data and localized changes in signal amplitude in the 3-D data. Additionally, the survey resolved several non-grave features, including underground utilities, tree roots, and variations in shallow soil conditions. The results allowed for the determination of an outer boundary for the suspected cemetery.
In 2019, USA Today wrote an article featuring this study: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/11/21/tampa-king-high-school-top-145-graves-believed-black-cemetery/4258848002/
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