Memorial to Enslaved Laborers University of Virginia
A powerful memorial honoring the enslaved laborers who built and sustained the University of Virginia, offering a poignant reflection on history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Memorial to Enslaved Laborers University of Virginia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A powerful memorial honoring the enslaved laborers who built and sustained the University of Virginia, offering a poignant reflection on history.
"A must-see memorial that makes enslaved laborers real, not just history book characters."
Allow ample time for reflection
Take your time to read the inscriptions and absorb the atmosphere. It's a place for contemplation.
Visit during daylight
The details and inscriptions are best appreciated with natural light.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Broken Circle Design
Central Plaza
A powerful architectural statement symbolizing the incomplete recognition of enslaved laborers' contributions.
Engraved Names and Stories
Inner Wall
Inscriptions detail the lives and struggles of enslaved individuals, bringing history to life.
The Water Feature
Central Area
A subtle yet poignant element that adds to the memorial's contemplative atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Sobering Reflection
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allow ample time for reflection
Take your time to read the inscriptions and absorb the atmosphere. It's a place for contemplation.
Visit during daylight
The details and inscriptions are best appreciated with natural light.
Respect the space
This is a sacred ground. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor during your visit.
Read the historical markers
The surrounding markers provide crucial context to the memorial's significance.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allow ample time for reflection
Take your time to read the inscriptions and absorb the atmosphere. It's a place for contemplation.
Visit during daylight
The details and inscriptions are best appreciated with natural light.
Respect the space
This is a sacred ground. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor during your visit.
Read the historical markers
The surrounding markers provide crucial context to the memorial's significance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers as a beautiful, sobering, and profoundly moving experience. It's praised for its powerful tribute to the enslaved individuals who built UVA, bringing their stories to life in a poignant and respectful manner. While deeply impactful, some note the ongoing need for further historical reckoning.
"Very beautiful and sobering memorial. Timely presence as well in our country. It's a great start, but more work will always need to be done."
Forrest Lloyd
"If visiting Charlottesville and especially UVA, this memorial is a must see. The combination of the names, dates, historical marker moments, and the running water make for a powerful and poignant display of a darker side of the university's history and pay tribute to the enslaved laborers who worked at UVA."
Samantha
"Lovely memorial with eye opening stories of the history of the enslaved laborers. This style of memorial really brings to life these important people in history and makes them real, not just history book characters."
C Flores
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The memorial is located on the University of Virginia grounds, easily accessible by car or public transport. If arriving by train, it's conveniently located near the station. Parking is available in nearby garages, but check UVA's parking regulations.
Yes, the memorial is designed to be accessible to all visitors, with paved pathways and thoughtful design considerations.
Absolutely! It's a feasible day trip from Washington D.C., offering a poignant historical experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers is free and open to the public.
The memorial is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's an outdoor space, so it's best to visit when there's sufficient light to appreciate the details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
This memorial honors the thousands of enslaved individuals who built and sustained the University of Virginia, acknowledging a critical and often overlooked part of its history. 
Expect a deeply moving and reflective experience. The design, inscriptions, and water feature are intended to evoke contemplation on the lives and labor of enslaved people.
Most visitors find that 30-60 minutes is sufficient to read the inscriptions and reflect. However, you can spend longer if you wish to deeply engage with the historical context.
While there may not be formal guided tours, the memorial itself is designed to be informative. Check the UVA website for any scheduled events or talks related to the memorial.
The memorial features a distinctive broken circle design with a rising stone wall engraved with names and historical accounts.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted, but visitors are asked to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site. Avoid intrusive photography.
Visiting during daylight hours, especially in the morning or late afternoon, can provide beautiful lighting for photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Encourage children to read the inscriptions and ask questions. The water feature can also be a point of interest. Consider visiting during a time when the memorial is less crowded to allow for a more personal and less overwhelming experience for younger visitors.
🚶 Solo Travelers
As noted by one Reddit user, the memorial is conveniently located and a worthwhile stop when visiting Charlottesville, even for a short trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of Remembrance
The use of water within the memorial adds another layer of sensory experience, often described as soothing and contemplative, enhancing the solemnity of the space. The design intentionally leaves blank spaces on the wall, representing the many enslaved individuals whose names are lost to history, a stark reminder of the gaps in historical records and the ongoing work of uncovering these stories.
This memorial is more than just a structure; it's a narrative space. It invites visitors to engage with the difficult truths of UVA's past and to honor the humanity of those whose labor was foundational to the university's existence.
Uncovering Untold Stories
+1Social media content highlights the dedication of groups like @descendantsuva, who are committed to amplifying these voices and ensuring the history of enslavement at UVA is not forgotten.
+1Visitors often remark on how the memorial makes these historical figures feel 'real, not just history book characters,' underscoring its success in fostering a deeper connection to the past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit