Human Remains and Burial Shafts Discovered at Henry Street Bridge Construction Site

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Department of Public Works announced the discovery of human remains and burial shafts at the Henry Street Bridge construction site. A total of 15 grave shafts, along with a headstone base comprising seven monument pieces, were found east of the White River.The discovery occurred while crews were installing a shoring stabilization system for the project. Upon identifying the remains last week, work was halted to allow for their exhumation.“Today, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) announced that human remains and grave shafts were discovered late last month as crews prepared to relocate utilities and begin excavation for the Henry Street Bridge project,” said a department spokesperson. The findings were shared with the Henry Street Community Advisory Group (CAG) last week.“Stantec, Indy DPW’s archaeology consultant, discovered 15 grave shafts at approximately three to four feet deep while preparing for archaeological excavation east of the White River. They also identified a possible footstone, as well as a headstone base consisting of seven monument pieces.”In September 2024, Stantec received approval for its Archaeological Investigation Workplan for the Henry Street Bridge Project from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). This plan outlines how to excavate, document, and remove human remains and artifacts within the right-of-way.According to this work plan, a trench stabilization shoring system is being used to safely conduct excavations in this area. When grave shafts were uncovered at a shallow depth during installation of this system, work was paused to facilitate proper exhumation.“Trained bioarchaeologists and archaeologists will carefully remove material above and around each grave shaft by hand. Once all human remains are exposed, photographs and documentation will be completed before sending them to Dr. Jeremy Wilson’s lab at Indiana University – Indianapolis for analysis,” explained Dr. Brooke Drew from Stantec's archaeological team. “Uncovering objects like footstones with initials is vital; they provide starting points for genealogical research.”The excavation process is expected to continue until spring 2025, during which tents will cover work areas to protect both remains and artifacts while honoring those interred there.In another finding related to utility relocation efforts by AES Indiana, human remains were discovered while preparing to install a subsurface utility line. Excavation revealed two grave shafts at least four feet below ground containing skeletal remains, buttons, coffin fragments, and hardware.“AES Indiana is committed to working in partnership with the City of Indianapolis to ensure a proper and respectful excavation process throughout the project,” stated Roderick Conwell from AES Indiana.City officials have been engaging with community members regarding concerns about the construction site since it occupies part of Greenlawn Cemetery—historically significant as one of Indianapolis’ first cemeteries.