CCHA Suggested Historical/Cultural Inventory Guidelines
For Proposed Subdivisions and Developments
The Chatham County Historical Association (CCHA) is concerned with preserving Chatham County's cultural heritage, which includes historical structures, gravesites, and prehistoric artifacts. The Association’s goal is to work with developers to document and, in rare cases, preserve the physical reminders of Chatham County's past, thus maintaining a “sense of place.” Many features of local interest will seem ordinary and insignificant to the casual observer, but these can have historical significance for Chatham County.
Developers are in a unique position to help preserve Chatham's cultural heritage. Standard development processes, such as title searches and surveying – which often reveal evidence of old roads and fences, cemeteries, wells, and foundations – begin the process of documenting local history. The CCHA can often assist in documenting the historical background of structures, cemeteries, and artifacts, and will appreciate receiving from developers references to old deeds and surveys that identify early owners. Sharing or pooling research results can benefit both the CCHA and the developer, for whom knowing the history of the land can prove useful for public relations and marketing.
In response to concerns about historical properties being lost to development, Chatham County’s major subdivision review process has, since 1998, required developers to contact the CCHA when gravesites or structures (i.e., man-made, above-ground objects such as houses, barns, sheds, walls, fences, old roads, chimneys, or the remains of such features) greater than 50 years in age, or having historical significance, are identified on the property, or within 100 feet on adjacent property.
The CCHA has been working with developers in Chatham County for more than two decades. Those who have worked with the CCHA realize that it is not our goal to stand in the way of development, and many have benefitted from knowing the history of the land they develop. The goal of the CCHA is simple: to have access to historical features before development begins, which allows the CCHA to document them—saving their histories, if not the features themselves. It is the CCHA’s hope that by sharing what it knows or may be able to learn about the site with the developer, local history might become an interesting focal point for future residents.
The CCHA asks for the cooperation of all developers, who can help by involving the CCHA as early as possible in the planning process. The CCHA will assist by providing additional research. The CCHA hopes that developers will take the steps outlined below to collaborate with the CCHA in the process of researching the history of the land to be developed.
For more details about the CCHA’s goals and interest in documenting local history on land to be developed, see:
https://chathamhistory.org/Historical-Preservation-Guide-for-Developers/
https://chathamhistory.org/History-in-the-Path-of-Growth/
1. SHPO – Contact the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office, and use the HPOWEB database: https://nc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=79ea671ebdcc45639f0860257d5f5ed7 which can help in the identification, evaluation, protection, and enhancement of properties significant in North Carolina history and archaeology. The agency carries out state and federal preservation programs and is a section within the Division of Historical Resources, Office of Archives and History, North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR). Contact with SHPO is a standard procedure for cultural/historical reviews. Please note, however, that many of the features of interest to the CCHA here in Chatham County will not be in SHPO’s database. The CCHA will check other local databases for information and will share any information found with the developer.
SHPO sites are also shown on the Chatham County GIS map “Cemeteries & Historical Sites.” (Note: To view these layers, add “Historic Resources” and “Historical Parcels” from the Map Layers option on the right):
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/aecf2fc3235b4df093f60e343bad51b6
2. Title Search – The CCHA requests that the results of title searches done by developers be provided for the CCHA’s files. The CCHA may use this information as a starting point to do additional research, which may include identification of older deeds, wills and probate files to establish chains of title. This research may also identify references to graves, roads, railroads, rights-of-way, houses, barns, wells, and any other items of potential interest. CCHA findings will be shared with the developer. If an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for a project, the CCHA requests that the developer have a thorough title search conducted to identify historical ownership and items of potential interest. This information may provide naming opportunities for the project, for sections of the project, for streets, and/or for common areas (such as buildings, parks, playgrounds, nature areas, walking trails, etc.) that tie the new development to the area’s history, and provide points of interest for both new and old residents.
3. Aerial Photo Analysis – Site reviews should include an analysis of current and historical aerial photos of the subject and surrounding properties to identify roads, structures, disturbed areas, etc. Aerials dating back to 1997 are available on the Chatham County Tax & Land Information GIS as basemaps (see pull-down menus at the upper right-hand corner):
https://gisservices.chathamcountync.gov/landinformation/
Aerial photos dating back to 1955 are available on the Chatham County Historical Aerial Photography GIS (select Parcel Boundaries from the Layer List on the left-hand side): https://gisservices.chathamcountync.gov/historicalimagery/
1938 aerials are available on the Chatham County GIS map “Cemeteries & Historical Sites” (Note: add “Historical Parcels” and “Chatham County- 1938 Aerial Photography” from the Map Layers option on the right, and turn off all other layers):
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/aecf2fc3235b4df093f60e343bad51b6
Please indicate the locations of noteworthy features identified in historic aerial photos on a baseline (existing conditions) survey map to be submitted early in the planning process to the County or other municipality, with a copy to the CCHA.
4. Professional Historical/Cultural Resources Field Survey – The CCHA recommends that an on-site field reconnaissance survey of the entire property be performed by a qualified expert (e.g., a cultural resource firm) to locate any items (or remains of any items) identified in the title search and/or aerial photo analysis, as well as any other items of potential historic or cultural interest, such as graves, evidence of Native American habitation, old foundations, walls, road traces, etc. Such surveys should be an essential part of the planning process, particularly if an EIA is required. A list of qualified consultants has been compiled by the NC Office of State Archaeology: ( https://archaeology.ncdcr.gov )
https://archaeology.ncdcr.gov/programs/environmentalreview/archconsultantlist
The CCHA requests a copy of the results of such surveys (field notes, measurements, and digital photos of any features of potential interest) as soon as they are available, and would like to have an opportunity to visit the site to see and document any features and items of interest that are identified. In rare cases, suggestions for preservation may be made by the CCHA. Contact Preservation@chathamhistory.org for questions or to provide this information.
5. Artifacts – Any artifacts (e.g., arrowheads, pottery shards, bottles, wagon wheels) discovered during development activities (e.g., clearing, road grading, lot grading, excavations) should be documented with digital photos, measurements, and site location sketches. The CCHA would appreciate receiving this information (via email at Preservation@chathamhistory.org) and would like the opportunity to take possession of such items if the developer has no plans for them. The CCHA reserves the right to retain donated items or use them for fundraising purposes.
6. Cemeteries & Graves – Known cemeteries, as well as newly-discovered burial sites or individual graves (which then become designated as cemeteries), are required by state statute to be protected at all times – during initial field work, site preparation, and construction activities, as well as the post-construction period in perpetuity; their preservation and protection should be factored into project plans and well documented in the planning process (see NC General Statute Section 70-29 et seq. and others): https://archaeology.ncdcr.gov/programs/cemeteries/nclaws
Known cemeteries are shown on the Chatham County Tax & Land Information GIS map (Note: Select “Cemeteries” under “Land Reference” from the Map Layers option on the upper right):
https://gisservices.chathamcountync.gov/landinformation/
Known Cemeteries can also be found on the Chatham County Cemeteries & Historical Sites GIS map (Note: add “Historical Parcels” from the Map Layers option on the right side):
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/aecf2fc3235b4df093f60e343bad51b6
The CCHA works with the NC Office of State Archaeology, as well as the Chatham County Planning Office and Mapping Office, to ensure that cemeteries are identified and protected, and that state statutes are followed. CCHA’s cemetery coordinator is available to work with developers on projects encountering cemeteries and graves. Contact: CemeterySurvey@chathamhistory.org
State statutes require that cemeteries be accessible to family members and others interested in visiting them, and provisions for this should be included in planning documents. Disinterment/reinterment plans are not recommended, but if they are to be pursued they should be discussed with a State Office of Archaeology Historic Cemetery Specialist prior to submitting development plans to the County/Town Planning Office. Contact: https://archaeology.ncdcr.gov/
6.1 Cemetery Delineation – The limits of known cemeteries (with appropriate buffers) should be clearly marked in the field early in the development process so they can be avoided by all on-site activities. Additional delineation is strongly recommended using methods such as systematic probing (by an experienced, trained professional, see Section 4, above) or Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR, by a trained or licensed professional, e.g. surveyor). The developer should consult with CCHA or contact the State Office of Archaeology to determine which delineation strategy and, subsequently, which avoidance and protection measures, are appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Ideally, identification will occur early in the planning process so that preservation of the cemetery can be considered during planning and before any possible disturbance. For more information, see pages 20-23 of the OSA Archaeological Investigation Standards and Guidelines: https://archaeology.ncdcr.gov/osa-guidelines/open.
The approximate locations of known cemeteries are shown on the Chatham County Tax Map GIS. This information should be used to help locate cemeteries that have previously been reported. Note that many cemetery locations were estimated before geolocation technology was available, and so plotted cemetery locations may not be entirely accurate. Allowance for that possible error should be made in efforts to locate reported cemeteries, and updated coordinates (determined by survey or GPS) should be provided to the CCHA and the County Mapping office. Details of each known site are provided in the CCHA’s cemetery census: https://cemeterycensus.com/nc/chat/index.htm
6.2 Cemetery Protection – A sufficient buffer should be provided to ensure that less obvious graves are included in the protected area. (This applies to previously reported and documented sites, as well as to newly discovered sites.) The Office of State Archaeology (OSA) suggests buffers ranging from 32 to 98 feet, depending on the type of cemetery and whether the cemetery borders have been delineated by a professional archaeologist. The largest buffer size should be used until the site is professionally delineated. The OSA also notes that cemeteries should be fully delineated through archaeological investigations before any avoidance measures are recommended. If a cemetery buffer is defined without an archaeological investigation (probing or GPR), then burials may extend beyond the initial proposed buffer. The OSA buffer recommendations are summarized here: https://chathamhistory.org/resources/Documents/PDFs/Preservation/OSA%20General%20Cemetery%20Buffer%20Guidance.pdf.
Project design should protect cemeteries from stormwater runoff impacts during site preparation and construction, and for the post-construction period.
6.2.1 Cemetery Fencing, Walls, & Hedges – Cemeteries and their buffer areas can be separated by temporary fencing during clearing, grading, and construction activities, but should also be protected from water erosion and sediment deposition. More permanent enclosures can consist of (aesthetically-pleasing) fences, walls, and hedges. Enclosures that prevent access should be provided with gates.
6.2.2 Cemetery Vegetation Control & Plantings – State law requires that vegetation previously placed in cemeteries to mark graves be preserved; species historically used for this purpose include boxwood, daffodils, yucca, and periwinkles. Other vegetation within a cemetery and buffer can be removed by methods that do not involve soil disturbance or damage to grave markers. Heavy equipment, obviously, should not be used, but even hand tools that disturb the soil should be avoided. Woody species to be eradicated can be cut off at soil level, and the remaining stem sprayed with a herbicide to prevent resprouting. Large dead trees should be removed in ways that don't disturb roots, and don't allow the tree to fall within the cemetery. Undergrowth should be removed using herbicides, or a combination of herbicides, cutting, and/or alternative technologies such as electric weed control; see North Carolina Forestry Best Management Practices Manual:
https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-forest-service/water-quality/best-management-practices-manual
and the N.C. State Extension publication Accomplishing Forest Stewardship with Hand-Applied Herbicides:
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/accomplishing-forest-stewardship-with-hand-applied-herbicides
Following these guidance documents will allow the cemetery to be cleaned up and maintained without damaging it. Providing an access trail through a cemetery buffer can involve removal of trees if they are three inches or less in diameter at breast height (DBH).
New planting within cemeteries and buffer areas should be avoided, since plant roots can disturb graves, and the point of buffers is to preserve graves that cannot be identified by surface inspection; plantings defeat the purpose of the buffers.
6.3 Cemetery Reporting – The CCHA should be contacted as early in the planning process as possible of the specific location(s) of known cemeteries on the project site (or within 100’ of the project site on an adjacent parcel), as well as previously unreported graves discovered during the title search, or those found during initial field assessments and surveys. The CCHA will work with the applicant to arrange for a CCHA representative to make an initial field visit to document the site; the CCHA’s Cemetery Project Coordinator will work with the developer to ensure that the required protections are in place, and that the required documentation is completed. Contact: CemeterySurvey@chathamhistory.org.
Immediately notify the State Office of Archaeology, the appropriate county or town planning office, and the CCHA Cemetery Coordinator if graves or cemeteries (or suspected graves or cemeteries) are discovered (but not disturbed) during clearing or construction. Work must be suspended in the immediate area of the findings to minimize disturbance until a final disposition can be determined.
Note: If graves or cemetery features are opened or disturbed, state law requires the immediate notification of local law enforcement (the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, or the Pittsboro or Siler City Police Departments), as well as the other entities noted above, and the suspension of work in the immediate area of the cemetery until a final disposition can be determined.
6.4 Cemetery Documentation – The limits of all cemeteries and buffers should be clearly indicated on all relevant submissions, including baseline (existing conditions) survey maps, site drawings submitted with applications for rezoning, as well as concept plans, sketch plans, first plats, construction plans, open space plans, and final plats.
Copies of comprehensive field surveys conducted by professional archaeologists, as required for projects under Section 106 review or any other permit that has triggered an environmental review under the Office of State Archaeology, or projects requiring an EIA for County or Town subdivision planning, should be provided to the CCHA. The CCHA Cemetery Project Coordinator is available to provide any information it might have on record about cemetery sites, and will work with consultants on the cemetery part of the EIA. Uncomplicated projects not requiring professional review may be documented with the assistance of the CCHA Cemetery Project Coordinator: CemeterySurvey@chathamhistory.org.
The NC Cemetery Site Form [https://archaeology.ncdcr.gov/media/742/open] should be completed, with photographs of the site and all markers included. This information should be submitted to the CCHA Cemetery Project and to the relevant planning office. CCHA will submit the form to the State Office of Archaeology if that is not done as part of the EIA for the project.
6.5 Cemetery Long-Term Management Plan – A document should be prepared to describe the long-term management of all cemeteries and their buffers on the project site. This plan should include information on how the areal extents of graves were delineated, and maps of these delineations (determined by survey or GPS and plotted on suitably scaled and geo-registered maps). Protection measures to be utilized (e.g., fencing, walls, hedges, stormwater runoff controls) should be specified. Means of access should be identified, and any limitations on access (e.g., times of day) should be specified. How the protected areas will be maintained in terms of vegetation allowed (and not allowed), as well as permissible maintenance equipment and methods, should be specified. Lastly, the party(s) who will have the legal and fiscal responsibility for protecting and maintaining the cemeteries and graves in perpetuity should be specified.
6.6 Cemetery Contact Information
- CCHA Cemetery Project Coordinator: Beverly Wiggins: CemeterySurvey@chathamhistory.org
Telephone number for emergency contact can be obtained from the County Planning Office.
- Chatham County Planning Office: Kimberly Tyson
- Pittsboro Planning Office: Randall Cahoon-Tingle, Director
Phone: (919) 533-5480 (ex. 1006) Email: rcahoon-tingle@pittsboronc.gov
- Siler City Planning Office: Timothy Mack, Director
Phone: (919) 726-8626 Email: tmack@silercity.gov
- NC State Office of Archaeology: Melissa Timo, Historic Cemetery Specialist
Office Phone: (919)-814.6562 Work Cell: (919) 723-7633 Email: melissa.timo@ncdcr.gov
Chatham County Historical Association, Inc.
P. O. Box 93 / Pittsboro, NC 27312 / chathamhistory.org / history@chathamhistory.org
v.14 6/19/25
Chatham County Historical Association
https://chathamhistory.org ~ history@chathamhistory.org ~ PO Box 93 ~ Pittsboro NC 27312 ~ 919-542-6222 ~