I read with interest the discussion on Cemetery Laws in VA and was somewhat surprised it has not generated more conversation. My predicament is related, but somewhat different. We, being our genealogical group, in addition to the DAR, SAR and a number of other prominent groups in and around Roanoke, VA have been trying for the last several years to try and get Roanoke to accept partial responsibility to restore and maintain what is considered to be a historically significant cemetery. The two primary people buried in that small family cemetery are Col. Elijah McClanahan and his wife Agatha Strother Lewis. Col Elijah was a son of William McClanahan who at one time owned close to 5000 acres in Roanoke or what was known as "Big Lick" at that time. William and his sons, basically Elijah and James, were largely responsible for the development of Roanoke. Agatha Strother Lewis was the granddaughter of General Andrew Lewis, whose history is well known throughout VA. There are considerably more details on my website if anyone is interested. Please see: <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/joemac1938/cemetery.htm">McClanahan Cemetery </A> I would like to see some dialogue regarding on how such cemeteries could possibly saved for future generations. Are there any cemetery preservation groups in VA that could possibly provide guidance and/or financial assistance? Are there any state laws on the books that would direct a city to preserve and maintain such cemeteries? I have done quite a bit of research on this matter, but I'm sure there may be some unexplored avenues that I may have not turned up yet. If you have gone to the website to get a more detailed explanation as to what has transpired, you will have a better idea of the problems. I also thank anyone in advance that has indeed gone to the website to review the ongoing struggle. Any comments and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Joe McClenahan To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html