Possible Mass Graves From Tulsa Race Massacre Found by OU Researchers
The Oklahoma Archeological Survey based at the University of Oklahoma has made new discoveries that could lead to additional information about graves related to the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921.
OU researcher Scott Hammerstedt of the Oklahoma Archeological Survey shared the results of the geophysical scanning Monday at a public hearing in Tulsa. Director of Oklahoma Archeological Survey Amanda Regnier and Oklahoma State Archaeologist Kary Stackelbeck also were on hand and assisted with the search.
Researchers identified locations with the possible presence of mass graves at two locations in Tulsa, The Canes and the Sexton Area in Oaklawn Cemetery.
Surveys confirmed suspicions that one area might be a grave, in addition to a newly discovered trench under the soil in an area of about 30 by 25 feet.
“I'm as confident as I can be in the results,” Hammerstedt said. “However, it is unclear yet whether these possible graves are related to the riots.”
Work was completed at two of the three sites that were originally identified for initial scanning based on data and historian reports from the 2001 State Commissioned Report of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The City of Tulsa is in discussion with the property owner of the remaining site.
Based upon their size, high-amplitude ground-penetrating radar reflections, and abrupt contrasts with the surrounding soils, locations were identified as the most likely areas to be mass graves associated with the massacre.
The public oversight committee on the graves will reconvene in February of next year and will begin exploring next steps regarding the suspected graves. Experts recommended the city secure the sites in the meantime.
For more information on the investigation process, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/1921graves.
Article Published: Wednesday, December 18, 2019