Two Late Nineteenth-Century Cemeteries in Northwest Arkansas: A Study in Contrasts

Because the cemeteries were considered potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, in fall 2001 the Arkansas Archeological Survey, under terms of a contract with Burns & McDonnell, Inc., excavated the Becky Wright and Eddy Cemeteries to remove the interred human remains, associated coffin hardware, and personal items. Burial here may have been based on religious affiliation, but, as demonstrated below, it seems more likely that interment was reserved for marginalized members of society and those lacking strong local family ties. [...] the cemetery seems to have functioned essentially as a public burial ground.